Xiaomi Opens First Physical Store at Sandton City Mall in South Africa
Xiaomi, a Chinese producer of consumer goods, has opened its first physical location in South Africa over the weekend, taking a page from the playbook of its rival. This comes after the company stated that it wanted to grow its market share in SA in order to eventually unseat Huawei and Samsung as the market battle heats up.
The store, which is situated in Sandton City Mall, sells Xiaomi’s smartphones as well as smart devices such speakers, security cameras, robot vacuum cleaners, e-scooters, smart watches, smart bands, e-bicycles, smart kettles, and robot watches. Customers can also bring their broken Xiaomi gadgets to the store to begin the repair procedure.
Xiaomi in a statement had noted it plans to gain share in the local market by setting up brick-and-mortar stores throughout the country. The company’s first physical store was officially opened on Saturday in Johannesburg, and it is understood the next one will be launched in Cape Town in the near future.
In South Africa, the company has rolled out an array of flagship and mid-range smartphones this year, including the Xiaomi 12 series (Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Lite), Redmi Note 11 series (Redmi Note 11 and Redmi Note 11 Pro), as well as the Redmi 10 series (Redmi 10A, Redmi 10C and Redmi 10 2022). According to the company, these devices come with stronger specs and features, and bring powerful upgrades to their camera systems.
“These devices come with stronger specs and features, and bring powerful upgrades to their camera systems, charging speeds, displays − making excellent smartphone performance more accessible than ever,” it notes.
Along with other companies, Xiaomi has distribution agreements with Vodacom, MTN, and Takealot. In addition, it promotes access to its devices through an open market on websites like Takealot, TFG shops, Incredible Connection, and Pep.
“The store emphasises how much Xiaomi values the South African market by giving Xiaomi fans in the country the opportunity to connect more closely with the brand and its offerings. Fans will get to see, touch and experience Xiaomi’s smart technology,” said the company.