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Hello, Rio. Apple Store to make first foray into Brazil

The electronics giant confirmed to Brazilian press that it will open its first retail store in the country, though it didn't say when.

Shara Tibken Former managing editor
Shara Tibken was a managing editor at CNET News, overseeing a team covering tech policy, EU tech, mobile and the digital divide. She previously covered mobile as a senior reporter at CNET and also wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. Shara is a native Midwesterner who still prefers "pop" over "soda."
Shara Tibken
Apple's Palo Alto store readies for opening the day of the iPad Mini launch. James Martin/CNET
Apple is heading to Rio de Janeiro.

The electronics giant will open its first retail store in Brazil, it confirmed in an email to Brazilian press.

The company didn't specify when the store will open or where it will be located in the city.

Here's the full statement from Apple, via Brazilian reports:

"We look forward to the opening of the first Apple Store in Brazil, where we have longstanding customers and hope to win many more every day. We cannot wait to offer the unique Apple retail experience to the people of Rio de Janeiro and customers from across the entire region."

Brazil is increasingly becoming a key market for PCs and consumer electronics. While developed nations, like the U.S., have experienced sluggish demand, emerging regions are expected to drive the next leg of growth for device makers. Intel Chief Executive Paul Otellini, speaking during an earnings conference call in July, specifically highlighted China and Brazil as two regions where demand was "growing nicely."

(Via TheNextWeb)

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