Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is looking to expand retail outlets overseas in a bid to offset a decline in the domestic market. Xiaomi is looking to so-called "new retail" – the integration of online and offline sales – to win more foreign buyers, says founder and CEO Lei Jun. In 2016, Xiaomi opened 6 stores after online sales were challenged by domestic rivals. Many customers want to check out products before buying, particularly in India and southeast Asia where smartphones are still a big-ticket item, said Canalys analyst Jessie Ding. Offline stores can also provide after-sales services, she added.
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is looking to expand retail outlets overseas in a bid to offset a decline in the domestic market. Xiaomi is looking to so-called "new retail" – the integration of online and offline sales – to win more foreign buyers, says founder and CEO Lei Jun. In 2016, Xiaomi opened 50 stores after online sales were challenged by domestic rivals. Many customers want to check out products before buying, particularly in India and southeast Asia where smartphones are still a big-ticket item, said Canalys analyst Jessie Ding. Offline stores can also provide after-sales services, she added.