Apple faces challenge from Huawei’s new stores

Concerted effort: A man looks at a smartphone on display at Huawei's flagship store in Shanghai. The Chinese tech giant is now putting its focus squarely on selling premium products that compete with Apple, according to analysts. — Reuters

HONG KONG: Huawei is revamping its retail strategy and aggressively opening flagship stores in China, with some just a stone’s throw away from Apple shops, as it seeks to retake the premium electronics throne in the world’s biggest smartphone market.

Situated directly across from Apple’s Shanghai flagship store, Huawei’s recently renovated shop spans three floors of a famous heritage architecture building in the financial hub’s busy shopping district and includes a coffee shop and a gym.