Apple is reportedly gearing up to open a new Apple Store location in Tokyo, according to a report published by Bloomberg on Wednesday. It would be the first location opened in Tokyo since 2005, and the company is purportedly eyeing the Omotesando shopping district for the location. The store is allegedly set to open as early as this spring. Apple currently has two locations in Tokyo, including the Ginza store and another in Shibuya.
The deal could come as Apple continues to woo NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest wireless carrier that has so far held out on offering the iPhone. With a new business partner, Apple could use another retail location to help provide support and another venue for tablet and iPhone sales. Bloomberg also suggested that Apple could use the store to sell a new iPad that will be unveiled in Sept., though that may have been in error, and has been debunked by Jim Dalrymple at The Loop. Apple is largely expected to announce its new iPhones at the rumored Sept. 10 event and its new iPads at a separate event, possibly in Oct.
Apparently the property Apple is eyeing could cost about $164 million, not including the cost of building the store. The report is currently based on sources speaking to Bloomberg and Apple has yet to confirm any plans to open a new retail location in Tokyo.
