Apple recently announced the launch of its first online store in Viet Nam on May 18.

Phung Phuong, an executive at Di Dong Viet retail company, which sells technological devices said: “It is impossible for their price to be lower than that of retailers, especially when the prices of Apple products in the market are significantly lower compared to other countries.

“Besides, that will directly affect the revenues of authorised Apple resellers.”

An FPT Retail executive was quoted by Tuoi Tre newspaper as saying that while the Apple online store would provide fixed prices, it would find it difficult to compete with local retailers.

CellphoneS representative Nguyen Lac Huy said that, besides, customers prefer local retailers for services like buying old phones, instalment payments and promotions.

For years companies like Samsung have been selling their products online but are unable to compete with local electronics retailers since customers prefer to buy at stores to touch and see products and get recommendations from staff.

A representative for retail giant The Gioi Di Dong said the opening of the online store shows Apple’s determination to expand their market in Viet Nam, targeting customers who want to experience a higher standard of service.

It also shows that Apple considers Viet Nam one of its main markets, and from now Vietnamese customers would be able to buy newly released products faster than before, he said. — VNS