We try to figure out what’s really up
Today the first ever Mi Store opened its doors in the Philippines at Trinoma. Actually, no, let us rephrase that – the first ever Xiaomi Authorized Reseller store opened its doors.
Confused?
Well, don’t be. The explanation is quite simple, really – Xiaomi is taking the same business model that Apple uses when it comes to selling their devices here in the Philippines. Stores like PowerMac are obviously not actually Apple stores, but they’re built to approximate the look and feel of said stores, as well as offer the same products that Apple carries along with Apple-approved accessories and peripherals, and handle the repair and warranty claims of customers.
From what we could gather, Xiaomi’s relationship with Grimalkin corporation, the folks that are actually running the Xiaomi Authorized Reseller store, are using the same model.
It’s understandable, since Xiaomi took a big chance and lost when they first put up shop in the Philippines 2 years ago. Now they only supply the products to Grimalkin, and they in turn shoulder all the risk when it comes to selling the devices to the public. It’s less risk for Xiaomi.
Grimalkin also acts as the master distributor as far as we can tell according to some provincial stores that we spoke to.
Both Xiaomi and Grimalkin were tight-lipped about the specifics of their relationship, but as far as the legitimacy of the store is concerned, they’re 100% legit as a Xiaomi rep was on hand during the launch.
We Take the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 Camera Out for a Spin in the Google PH Office
