Prada Outbids Apple In Auction For Retail Space In Milan

Apple has become known for its ability to get any landmark spot that it wants and its status as greatest retailer in U.S. is a persuading argument in negotiations. But as Macitynet.it reports, when the company wanted to secure one the Milan’s most prestigious landmark buildings in order to open a flagship retail store the company get outbid by the fashion label Prada.

Last night the Commission of the City of Milan opened the envelops with bids for a retail space in Milan’s Galleria del Duomo. It’s interesting that Apple’s offer was just a percent higher than the offer price compared to 150 percent premium in Prada’s offer. Reportedly, Apple was so confident of its victory that it rejected several offers for other Milan’s landmarks.

In a conference call with analysts Apple repeated its plans to open 40 new retail stores over fiscal 2012, 30 of which will be set up outside the U.S. Besides, it seems that Apple is going to open its first stores in Sweden and The Netherlands.

According to this Alt om Mac report, on October 27 the company registered a new business Apple Retail Sweden AB which obviously signifies Apple’s intention to open a retail store in this country.

As for the Netherlands, ifoAppleStore reports that Apple delayed its plans to open its first retail store due to historic preservation issues related to the old building. That store is now expected to open in March of 2012.

Hirsch building in Amsterdam

The store will open on the ground floor of the Amsterdam’s Hirsch building. The third floor of the building already houses Apple’s headquarter for the Benelux region.