Despite Apple Stores spreading around the world like an an infestation, not every country has access to their own aluminumed and glassed cubes, and so many people must rely on third-party stores to get their Apple fix.
For the residents of the Emerald Isle, that just got a little bit harder. Mobile operator O2 was also running a set of retail stores, dubbed the O2 Experience, which in addition to handling iPhone sales also sold other Apple gear, like Macs and iPods. Unfortunately, according to a report in The Sunday Business Post, O2 is dropping non-phone-related Apple merchandise from its stores.
“O2 has decided just to go after customers that it can retain relationships with,” said a source close to the company.
“The problem with iPods and computers is that there isn’t an ongoing revenue stream in the same way as there is with a mobile phone customer.”
That’s rough. As of the moment, the only Apple Store on the island is in Belfast, Northern Ireland (though there is, of course, an online store for Ireland). According to the Post, that leaves only one chain—3G Mobile—selling Apple hardware. Best of luck to you, our Irish friends—not that you need it, I’m sure, what with that whole “luck of the Irish” thing going on.
well not really surprised.
bought a mac mini from an o2 store. the tech tried to convince me that it had a modem (my brother lives in a rural area and uses dialup). very bad service.
if you want a mac in ireland i recommend spectra. camera outfit who sell apple gear. when i bought a modem for the aforementioned mac mini the guy behind the counter gave me his mobile number in case i couldn't get it to work. i asked why he did that when it was his time i would be taking up and he said that he just liked getting people to move to mac. ymmv