Here’s a summary of the TechCrunch story “Apple opens another megastore in China amid William Barr criticism” (from July 2020): what happened, what were the stakes, and what it meant. If you want, I can dig into reactions or what followed. TechCrunch
What Happened
Apple opened a new flagship / “megastore” in Beijing’s Sanlitun district, one of its prime shopping areas. TechCrunch
This new store replaces the original Sanlitun Apple Store (opened in 2008), and is more than twice the size of that earlier one. TechCrunch
The opening came just after U.S. Attorney General William Barr delivered remarks criticizing several U.S. tech firms, including Apple, for being “acquiescent” to the Chinese government—specifically for removing apps or complying with Chinese rules/policies. TechCrunch
Why It’s Significant
Symbolic timing: The timing suggested Apple was asserting its presence and business in China, despite political pressure from U.S. leadership. Opening a large, visible retail investment in China at that moment could be seen as showing confidence in the Chinese market. TechCrunch
Local competition & market share: Apple has been under pressure in China from local manufacturers (Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.). In recent years, its market share was declining or being challenged. The larger megastore helps with brand visibility, retail experience — something physical stores can provide. TechCrunch
Environmental / sustainability note: The new store includes an integrated solar array (making it part of Apple’s renewable energy efforts). It underscores that Apple is also pushing on sustainability in its China operations. TechCrunch
Key Details
The staff size at the Sanlitun store has grown a lot over the years (from ~52 to 185). TechCrunch
Apple claims its operations in China are increasingly powered by renewable energy (“supporting enough clean energy … to power more than 450,000 homes each year” through its China clean energy projects) though that figure refers more broadly than just the store.
