Elevating the Retail Landscape: Inside ASBIS’s Vision for Apple Retail in EMEA
In an interview, Pavel Kakovka, CCO Monobrand UGCIS at ASBIS Group highlights the company’s strategy of establishing iSpace as a premium experience platform rather than a traditional retail chain, leveraging 36 showrooms across high-growth EMEA markets. Key insights include driving consistent, high-standard service through local adaptation, strategic expansion into new regions, and fostering deep Apple ecosystem adoption.
Q: What defines ASBIS’s approach to Apple retail development in EMEA?
P. K.: We are building iSpace as a premium Apple experience platform, not just a traditional retail chain. Our approach combines Apple-standard service, strong product expertise, omnichannel capabilities, and a scalable model for growth across different markets.
Q: How significant is your current retail footprint?
P. K.: We currently operate 36 iSpace showrooms across our markets. This gives us a strong regional platform to serve different customer needs: from individual consumers to business clients, both offline and online.
Q: How does the recent expansion into Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Georgia fit into your strategy?
P. K.: This expansion is fully aligned with our strategy to grow iSpace in markets where we see strong long-term potential and a clear customer demand for premium Apple experience, professional service, and broader ecosystem support.
Q: What is the underlying logic behind selecting these countries?
P. K.: Each market has its own dynamics, but the common factor is long-term growth potential. We invest in countries where we see increasing demand for premium Apple experiences, a growing market for official products, and opportunities to expand our presence faster than the market itself.
Q: What is the biggest execution challenge across such diverse markets?
P. K.: The key challenge is scaling consistently across different markets. This means delivering the same premium customer experience everywhere while adapting to local market conditions. Another important factor is securing the right locations. Our goal is not simply to open more stores, but to build premium destinations that meet Apple standards, create exceptional customer experiences, and remain commercially successful over the long term.
Q: How does ASBIS ensure consistency across all iSpace locations?
P. K.: We combine Apple’s retail standards with proven operational practices developed across our markets. Our teams receive continuous training, including Apple product education, while shared processes and best practices help us maintain consistent execution across the network. Regular audits and close collaboration with Apple ensure that we continuously improve service quality and deliver a consistent customer experience in every iSpace store
Q: What role does iSpace play in ASBIS’s broader strategy?
P. K.: iSpace helps shape the Apple customer experience in our markets. By setting high standards for service, expertise, and assortment, we contribute to customer loyalty, promote deeper adoption of the Apple ecosystem, and help elevate the overall quality of the retail landscape across the region
Q: What are the next priorities for Apple retail development?
P. K.: We will continue selective expansion in high-growth EMEA markets while scaling retail quality and strengthening the iSpace network as a regional benchmark.