Angela Ahrendts helps shape the future of Apple
Technology giant Apple reached the end of the roadmap that Steve Jobs had created to direct the company’s future last year. This roadmap has served as a guideline for several years and has helped the company remain focused on its primary interests, establishing a strong and reliable position in its industry. With the roadmap having reached its end, Apple has been left with limited guidance and has had to find new ways to remain an influential force in its industry. Unfortunately, this involved making some mistakes, but some of these mistakes may be rectified thanks to Angela Ahrendts.
New retail chief has big plans for Apple
Ahrendts was officially hired onto Apple only three weeks ago and now serves as the company’s retail chief. She has a long history of success in serving as CEO for Burberry since 2006. During her time with that company, she was able to increase sales and mitigate losses by a significant margin. As Apple’s new retail chief, Ahrendts is aiming to take the company into a new direction by reshaping its focus on mobile payments and bolstering its presence in foreign markets.
Apple to focus more heavily on mobile payments and the market in China
Under Ahrendt’s direction, Apple is set to become much more prolific in China, from a retail standpoint. The company intends to open new Apple Stores throughout the country in an effort to embrace the growing number of consumers that are adopting iOS devices there. Ahrendt also plans to improve the end-to-end sales experience in all Apple Stores, promoting product discovery, improving customer interactions with employees, and putting a heavier emphasis on mobile payments in general.
Major changes to Apple’s retail structure have already been made
Apple has had some setbacks over the past year that have placed it in a precarious position when it comes to the mobile space. Ahrendt is expected to help the company overcome the problems of its past and enter into a new era of success. She has already made serious changes to the company’s retail ecosystem that have been well received by her fellow executives and the company’s employees.
Smartphones generated nearly 30% of all online traffic to retail sites, with iOS devices leading their Android counterparts. Smartphones also account for a major increase in retailer revenue. Smartphone users are spending more money while shopping online as they enjoy the convenience of mobile payments. For some, it is easier to shop online than it is to visit a physical retail store and mobile commerce allows them to avoid crowds and other inconveniences.