Apple goes big for new store in China

BEIJING, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Apple's sixth store in China is a three-story outlet that employs 300 workers, the company said.

The grand opening in Beijing Saturday attracted hundreds, some of whom lined up outside the store overnight, some of them just vying for a chance to buy a T-shirt commemorating the grand opening, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The store is Apple's third in Beijing and its largest in Asia, although the company withheld some details on the store's size.

Its opening demonstrated that Apple still has a place in China's retail market in the face of increased competition, the Journal said.

"Their goal isn't to make money but to change the world, and it's a culture we should learn from," said Wang Xueang, a high school student who was first in line at the store, having gotten there at 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Apple had announced plans to build as many as 25 stores in China by the end of 2011, but appears to be aiming for larger stores and allowing a network of retailers in the country to carry its products.

Some of those added retailers are authorized, while others are not, the Journal said.

"The design of the store isn't the most original, but I've never seen such a huge store," said Michael Antkowiak, an architect from St. Louis who was visiting Beijing.