Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of retail, is emphasizing China in her revamping of the company's stores, including a recruitment of U.S.-based Apple employees to work there.
According to 9to5Mac.com, Apple is currently hiring for 15 new stores in the China market. While company officials haven't said where those stores will be, the website reported sources saying the Chinese regions of South Nanjing and Dalian will be two of the target areas.
"In a note to employees late last week, sources say that Ahrendts reported that approximately 200 Apple retail workers from the U.S. have already offered to make the move," wrote 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman.
"Ahrendts added that the offer to move to China 'has no expiration date because as the business grows, our needs will only become greater, so as your personal and professional life changes, just always keep China at the top of your mind, because we’re going to need you…,'" Gurman wrote.
According to Forbes, Apple posted its highest quarterly profit in the company's history, $18 billion, on Tuesday based mostly on his holiday sales of iPhones and laptops.
Sales in places like China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were up as much as 70 percent over the same period a year ago with 21.5 percent of the company's revenue coming from that region.
"What’s been missing from Tuesday's coverage has been mention of a major force behind Apple's recent Chinese expansion ... Angela Ahrendts," wrote Forbes' Clare O'Connor.
"Since coming on board in May 2014, the former Burberry CEO has made growth in China one of her top three priorities, alongside mobile payments and revamping the Apple Store shopping experience …," O'Connor wrote.
Ahrendts spent her time visiting Apple stores near the company's California campus in Cupertino when she joined the computer giant in May, noted 9to5Mac.com.
"Employees from an Apple Store in the Los Angeles area recount being so excited about Ahrendts beginning work at Apple … that their store manager emailed Ahrendts a photo of the store's employees, and Ahrendts promptly replied with excitement about her new role," said the site.
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