Less than two months after the Saudi Arabia government cleared Apple to begin marketing products and officially operate in the region, Apple has struck a sales deal with major Saudi Arabia-based retailer Jarir Bookstore. The deal includes both official sales inside of the Jarir retail stores as well as technical support for the products. Previously, Jarir had to use third-party means to secure its supply of Apple products, but now with Apple officially providing product supply, costs will go down for both the Bookstore and its customers, creating an overall improved experience for those looking to purchase Apple gadgets in Saudi Arabia.
In the first deal of its kind in the Middle East, Apple has inked an agreement with Saudi bookshop Jarir to supply all Apple products through the outlet, as well as providing an after-sales service. In an interview with Al Arabiya News Channel, Jarir’s chairman, Mohammad al-Aqeel, said that this agreement will allow the prices of Apple products sold at Jarir branches to be slightly reduced. Apple has never previously dealt directly with retail outlets headquartered in the Middle East. The agreement will allow Jarir to increase its supply of Apple products and overcome the issue of unavailability in the Saudi market. Aqeel noted that receiving Apple products in Saudi Arabia used to take 3-6 months as it was provided by a third party. Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook stated in 2011 that Apple was eyeing the Middle East for increased revenues in the region.
