iPhone maker Apple is closing one of its retail stores in China for the first time, signalling a rare retreat in a crucial market where the company has been working to revive its sales momentum. The company said its Parkland Mall store, located in the Zhongshan District of Dalian City, will shut its doors on August 9. Citing shifts at the shopping complex, Apple said, “Given the departure of several retailers at the Parkland Mall, we have made the decision to close our store there.” The Parkland Mall store is one of two Apple locations in Dalian. The other, situated in the Olympia 66 shopping centre about 10 minutes away, will continue operating. Apple added that employees from the closing store will be offered roles at other locations. In a statement, the company said, “We’re always focused on providing an exceptional experience for all of our customers both online and at more than 50 Apple Store locations across Greater China.” Apple currently operates about 56 stores in the region, accounting for over 10% of its global retail presence. The move comes at a time when China’s economy is under pressure from deflationary trends, weakening consumer demand, and declining home prices. Retail sales have underperformed expectations, and global tariffs continue to strain the country’s export-led growth model. Apple’s sales in China fell 2.3% year-on-year to $16 billion in the quarter ended March 29, falling short of analysts’ estimates of $16.8 billion. Still, the company is continuing to invest in the Chinese market. A new store is set to open at Uniwalk Qianhai in Shenzhen on August 16, with more planned in Beijing and Shanghai over the next year. A location in Anhui province was inaugurated in January. Apple’s global retail strategy remains in flux. While it continues to expand in key markets such as India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, the company is becoming more selective about its physical presence. Recent global closures include stores in Bristol (UK), Partridge Creek (Michigan), and Hornsby (Australia). Apple has also been emphasising online expansion, launching e-commerce operations in new markets like India and Saudi Arabia. The Parkland Mall exit mirrors a broader exodus by major international retailers. Brands such as Coach, Sandro, and Hugo Boss have reportedly not renewed their leases at the mall in recent years. Earlier this year, the majority shareholder of the complex assumed full operational control. While Apple continues to grow in select regions, the Parkland Mall closure underscores the company’s evolving approach to retail, shaped by shifting market realities and changing consumer behaviour.