Xiaomi simultaneously opened 500 stores in India, nabs Guinness Record

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Xiaomi may have started as a largely online-focused brand, but the company knows offline stores are necessary for growth in some markets. The firm has opened numerous stores in India over the past year or two, though it may have outdone itself in recent weeks.

The Chinese brand announced that it simultaneously opened over 500 Mi Stores in 14 states across the country on October 29. This figure is pretty mind-blowing, as even Apple has 198 stores in the U.S. by our last count. So it’s not surprising to hear that Xiaomi earned itself a Guinness World Record for the most stores launched simultaneously.

Excited to share a BIG NEWS today: #Xiaomi is opening rural #MiStore with flagship experience across the country! 🤘

We SIMULTANEOUSLY opened 500+ Mi Stores across India on Oct 29 & have set a #GuinnessWorldRecord! @GWR 🎉@XiaomiIndia is #OfficiallyAmazing, yet again! 😎 (1/2) pic.twitter.com/oewLNzdlHB

— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) November 20, 2018

According to Xiaomi India managing director Manu Kumar Jain, the manufacturer is targeting 5000 stores by the end of 2019, creating 15,000 jobs in the process.

Offline expansion has become a key battleground for manufacturers in India, especially in rural areas where connectivity might not be guaranteed. Aside from facilitating sales, these stores also allow people who aren’t familiar with a brand to go hands-on with its products.

In addition to Xiaomi, we’ve seen OnePlus launch plenty of offline stores in India over the past year or two. And with Realme reportedly investigating physical stores, it seems like India will have no shortage of offline mobile retailers.

Are there any other brands you’d like to see launch an offline store in your country? Give us your answer in the comments!

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