Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) plans to open its first directly operated China retail store in Beijing's Sanlitun in August, reports China Business News quoting an employee at a Beijing-based Apple reseller. The retail store will have three stories for a total area of 995 square meters, said the report citing undisclosed sources. According to a blog on apple4.us, the new store will be opened on July 19. Apple denied releasing news related to a store opening. In February, company insiders said that Apple would open its first directly operated store in Beijing before the third quarter of 2008.
Steve Jobs said in a recent CNBC interview that Apple was likely to release the iPhone in mainland China later this year, reports ShanghaiDaily.com.