Some are even educated in foreign institutions like Cambridge or Griffith University, and then there are some expats managing the show who have been internally transferred from Apple store operations in Europe or the Middle East, reveals the LinkedIn accounts of several employees. And almost all are experienced!
In the not-so glamourous world of on-the-ground retail jobs in India, Apple seems to be charting a new course. Industry executives said Apple is paying packages of well over ₹1 lakh per month, which is more than 3-4 times the compensation in a similar role in other electronic stores.
Apple has hired over 170 employees to manage its two stores – called Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in New Delhi – and have trained them to global customer service levels. The BKC store has employees who can speak 25 different languages, while the Saket one has employees from 18 states who collectively speak more than 15 languages.
Apple did not respond to queries for this story till Friday press time.
Analysts said Apple wanted to create the premium experience reflected in their hiring.
“It’s the magic of Apple to pull talent which is why there are so many engineers and well qualified employees working there. It’s there globally for Apple, and they can afford such employees. Also, retail is a good starting point for several global organisations before they move to higher roles which Apple can replicate in India,” said industry researcher IDC India associate vice-president Navkendar Singh.According to Apple’s career page on its website, the company offers health and wellness medical plans, paid leaves, tuition expenses for educational courses, stock grants and discounts when purchasing Apple stock, and employee discount for Apple products to its retail employees.
ET spoke to some Apple retail employees who chose to remain anonymous.
“I had just submitted my resume on the website and got a call. Previously, I had the experience of sales so doing a job at store is not very different from what I was doing. But the brand value is huge and will help in my next job,” said an employee.
Another employee said this is the first time he is interacting with customers. He said there was extensive training which helps him now.
