The first designated Apple Premium Reseller in Northern Ireland opens in Derry next month, creating 10 full-time jobs.
Apple reseller iConnect will open its first Northern Ireland store in Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry, on 20 September. The store will offer customers demonstrations of Apple products and accessories through its newly recruited, fully trained staff.
The iConnect chain launched in Europe last year with stores opening in Dublin and Kildare. The new Foyleside store will not only offer new Apple products and compatible accessories for sale but will also house a service and repair centre, and will serve as iConnect’s head office in Northern Ireland.
“We will be placing strong emphasis on providing customers with exceptional levels of service, outstanding educational platforms and an enhanced retail experience which we hope will further increase awareness and loyalty to the Apple brand as we move forward,” said John McEvoy, director of iConnect.
iConnect is owned by Al Mana Lifestyle, a subsidiary of Qatar-based Al Mana Group. Ireland’s iConnect stores are the retail chain’s first foothold in the European market and follows investment of €8m announced in October last year.
A multi-store launch is planned for Ireland this year while plans also involve expansion across Europe and the Middle East.
Earlier this year, Al Mana Lifestyle acquired Cork-based ‘Mac specialists’, Stream Solutions, for an estimated €1m.
Al Mana Group employs more than 3,000 people worldwide and claims total assets of US$1.2bn.
