The Apple Store is a chain of retail stores owned and operated by Apple Inc., dealing in computers and consumer electronics. As of October 2007, Apple has opened 200 stores, including 172 in 36 US states, 13 in England, one in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland, seven in Japan, and four in Canada. Recently, Apple opened its first store in continental Europe, in Rome. Apple has begun construction on its first store in Australia, located in Sydney.