On July 29, Apple's official Chinese website announced the closure of its Apple Store located in Dalian's 100-Year City Mall, effective August 9. This marks the first time Apple has shut down a directly-operated store in China. In its statement, Apple attributed the decision to the exodus of numerous retailers from the 100-Year City Mall in Dalian, a move seemingly driven by shifts in the broader business landscape. It is noteworthy that the Dalian 100-Year City Mall has been entangled in legal disputes since 2022, and in February of this year, the major shareholder assumed full control over leasing and operational matters. Consequently, several prominent retailers within the mall, including Coach, Kenzo, MCM, and UGG, have opted to close their stores upon the expiration of their leases.
