CRN yesterday was granted an exclusive tour of Melbourne's My Mac shop in Flinders Street, which had just completed a renovation after adopting Apple's new premium reseller program.
My Mac owner Steve Bardel reveals what the program was about and what he did to secure the honour of being the first in Australia to look like an Apple Store.
CRN: When did Apple approach you with the concept?
Steve Bardel: Probably six months ago. Initially, we were a bit hesitant but after negotiating we found it was the right time to do it.
CRN: How long has this shop been here?
SB: Ten years now and I founded it.
CRN: Why were you picked over other premium resellers?
SB: I think it would probably be based on the location, being on Flinders Street. opposite Federation Square. It's probably the best Australian premium reseller location in Australia.
CRN: How did you do it?
SB: We had to close the shop and move into the service centre (next door), we had to renovate our service centre. I guess there was a lot of planning to try and have as little disruption to the cash flow of the business and everyone was conscious of that.
They gutted my shop, so it was built back up from a shell - everything is new, the flooring, ceilings, walls, light fittings - everything was updated.
CRN: And all this was done by Apple?
SB: Not all was done by Apple, we engaged shop fitters (who) followed the design put forward by Apple.
It was a very easy transition; we allowed plenty of time, we shut for over three weeks. There aren't many (premium resellers) that could do that. We enabled it to happen by being flexible.
We were aware that we had to create a better customer experience - if we can have a better looking shop and have a better customer experience.
CRN: Who paid for it?
SB: Apple made a contribution.
Click through to th next page where Bardel reveals the new program for premium resellers.
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