An Apple store in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province. Photo: IC

Apple China told the Global Times on Tuesday that the closure of its store in Parkland Mall in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, was due to the departure of retailers from the mall, and the US company emphasized its commitment to serving the Dalian community. 

The response came after Bloomberg reported that Apple was closing a retail store in China for the first time, claiming that this is a notable retreat in a market where the iPhone maker is striving to revive sales.

"At Apple, we're always focused on providing an exceptional experience for all of our customers both online and at more than 50 Apple Store locations across greater China. Given the departure of several retailers at the Parkland Mall, we have made the decision to close our store there on August 9, 2025," Apple China said in a statement sent to the Global Times on Tuesday. 

"We love serving the Dalian community, and all of our valued team members will have the opportunity to continue their roles with Apple. We look forward to welcoming customers at our nearby Olympia 66 store, as well as on Apple.com.cn and the Apple Store app," the statement read.

The Global Times learned that the landlord is in a severe financial crisis and has been involved in a lawsuit since 2022. In February 2025, the majority shareholder had officially assumed full control of leasing and operations.

Several prominent retailers, including Versus, Coach, Kenzo, Hugo Boss, MCM, Kate Spade, Armani Collezioni, A.J, Sandro, Maje, UGG, Max Mara, and Michael Kors, closed their stores when their leases expired.

The tech giant now has 48 stores across the Chinese mainland, and that number is expanding.

Last week, it announced it will open Apple Uniwalk Qianhai in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, on August 16. Apple opened Apple MixC Hefei, in East China's Anhui Province, earlier this year, marking its first location in the province. 

In March 2024, Apple opened Apple Jing'an in Shanghai, its eighth store in the city. Additionally, it opened Apple MixC in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, the first in the city, and Apple MixC in Shenzhen.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has made frequent trips to China, including a visit in March 2025, during which he repeatedly emphasized the importance of the Chinese supply chain and continued investment in China.

Meanwhile, market data indicated that Apple's sales and market share in China have declined. IDC data showed that in the second quarter of 2025, Huawei returned to the top spot in the domestic smartphone market, with shipments of 12.5 million units and an 18.1 percent market share, followed by Vivo with a 17.3 percent market share, OPPO with 15.5 percent and Xiaomi with 15.1 percent. Apple ranked the fifth with a market share of 13.9 percent, according to the IDC.  

Global Times