Xiaomi eyes offline market, plans to open 1000 stores by 2020

Xiaomi is considered to be one of the most valuable startups today. Its growth path has been impressive, of course with a fair share of hurdles. The company attract users with its superior devices at lucrative prices and also by introducing the then unique flash sales into the smartphone world. Xiaomi didn’t shy away from offline presence, though limited. However, Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi recently spoke about the company’s ambitious plans at expanding offline stores from 25 to 1000 by 2020. According to Shanghai Daily, Jun said, “We want consumers to touch and test our products with the core technologies in the stores. We have adapted our strategies… Xiaomi will open 1,000 stores by 2020.” This isn’t something new or surprising as the company had made it intentions clear right at the start of the year. In India, the company started sales via online channels or rather flash sales, but soon started taking strides into the offline world. The reason for doing so is simple – to boost sales volumes. And, it wouldn’t be wrong to say, the company is looking to expanding its reach in the country. The company recent launched Redmi 3S and Redmi 3S Prime in the country priced at Rs 6,999 and Rs 8,999, respectively. The phones were initially available via online channels, but unlike before, the company opted for open sale instead of flash sales with limited units. “For us, online is the dominant channel and we are trying to build a base for offline in India,” Manu Jain, India chief, Xiaomi. You can find out more about the new Redmi 3S Prime here . It was just last month that Jain revealed Xiaomi presently registers 90 percent of its sales from online channel in India, and is planning to double offline presence over the next few months. It all seems like a part of a big plan. Read on why expanding its offline channels is something the company just needs right now here .