In a surprising yet symbolic move, Apple is shutting down one of its flagship retail stores in Dalian, China-a first for the tech giant in the world’s largest smartphone market. The closure, set for August 9, marks a shift in Apple’s China strategy and highlights broader economic challenges gripping the region.
The Dalian store, located in Parkland Mall, is bowing out due to declining foot traffic, joining a growing list of upscale brands like Michael Kors and Armani that have also exited the venue. The closure comes amid weak consumer spending in China, despite government incentives such as trade-in programs and subsidies aimed at boosting sales of smartphones and electric vehicles.
Apple’s grip on China has been loosening as homegrown brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Vivo surge ahead. 
Once the undisputed premium player, Apple has now seen its sales drop for six consecutive quarters, with a near 10% revenue dip last year compared to its 2022 high. In Q2 2025, Huawei shipped 12.2 million smartphones, reclaiming the top spot with an 18% market share. Vivo followed closely with 11.8 million units, while Apple trailed the pack with 10.1 million-just 15% of the market.
Still, Cupertino isn’t waving the white flag. While one store closes, another opens: a new Apple location is slated to launch this month in Shenzhen, ensuring the company maintains 58 total stores in China by year’s end-the same number it started with in 2025.
But there’s a bigger story here: as Apple’s influence wanes locally, Chinese tech is rising. And ironically, it’s foreign fans who are now eager to get their hands on the latest Chinese flagships-often exclusive to domestic markets. With premium phones from brands like Huawei rarely seeing global releases, the tables have turned in a dramatic way.
1 comment
parkland mall been dead for ages anyway lol not surprised