This really isn’t the right way to close down a business.
Following Simply Mac’s June 9th announcement that it should be shuttering all 53 of its retail locations, customers have reported that their devices are still locked in certain stores.
The Simply Mac chain was a major Apple-authorized retailer and service provider. With locations typically far from Apple Stores, the retailer served as a means for customers to get services and repairs. Without customers needing to access an official store.
This month, the chain closed its doors following a worsening financial situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At present, it seems that some stores still have its customers’ products locked inside them.
In the case of its South Nashville, Tennessee location, a series of notes has been attached to the front door of the store. One says, “Please let me pick up this laptop as soon as possible. It is my sole computer for work”. Another says, “You have my computer, please contact me”.
In the case of a Simply Mac location in Eastern Idaho, the location is having the same issue returning devices to customers. Store manager Christian Park, speaking with EastIdahoNews.com, stated that “We had no idea, we got an email on Thursday saying we’re closing and that we’re not getting paid for the last three weeks”.
Despite having several repairs left to complete, there were instructions that Parker was not to open the store. The manager was unable to return devices to waiting customers. Parker is hoping that the issue will see resolution within the next week or two.
Parker stated that customers may call Apple Customer support and ask for a senior advisor to help resold the issue. Those that explain their device saw an impact by the bankruptcy of Simply Mac will allegedly have their items replaced by Apple. Still, some customers have reported that the support number has been unhelpful and many states that the Apple employees had no idea that the location was closed.
While Simply Mac has claimed that the bankruptcy is the result of the pandemic, this has been brought into question. Parker of the Eastern Idaho store stated that he spoke with a Simply Mac marketing director and learned that 30 out of the 50 locations throughout Utah and Idaho were still bringing in a profit.
Finally, Apple has given some word, and apparently fully intends to support customers affected by the bankruptcy and closing of Simply Mac. An Apple spokesperson has stated that “Apple is working to support customers who had repairs collected by Simply Mac.” Customers are advised to call 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask to be transferred to a Senior Advisor for assistance.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via The Mac Observer and EastIdahoNews.com
One reply on “Simply Mac shutters its locations, some customers unable to retrieve devices that have been locked into stores”
I’m one of the victims that left their mac at a simply mac store only to find out the store closed a day later. Though i was told be a senior advisor at Apple that they will email me once they have any status on what Apple intends to do to help us poor souls, there was no information they could give us. If this needs to be resolved first between Apple and Simply Mac, I’m afraid that will be a long time coming for those of us who are waiting for answers on how to get our devices back. Anyone have any more information?