Tekserve Apple Retailer (Photo : Twitter)
Apple's first brick-and-mortar retailer Tekserve will close after almost three decades serving New York City customers in Manhattan. The service center for iPhones, iPads, and Macs will shutter on July 31, and the retail store will close its doors for the last time on August 15. Tekserve has been at its current address on 23rd Street since June 2002 and has been certified to do repairs for Apple products since 1993.
The New York Times reported that around 70 people will lose their jobs when Tekserve closes shop. It opened in 1987 then moved to its current location when it transferred to the Printing Arts Building.
Tekserve has become famous for its unorthodox style. That includes an antique Coca-Cola machine that has relocated with the retail store over the years.
The Manhattan store is not just an Apple reseller. It is also a place for Apple fans to hang out and take classes, and even includes a museum of old-school Apple computers, according to AppleInsider.
During its history Tekserve has faced various issues as it fought to stay in business. They include Manhattan's high real estate prices. There are also six official Apple Stores in Manhattan, and a new Best Buy across the street, according to Tech Crunch.
Tekserve employees were informed about the store closing on June 29, Wednesday.
The Apple retailer was opened after the co-founders bought their first Mac computer in 1984 for $3.000. They have been loyal Mac fans since that time.
CEO Jerry Gepner told the NYT that the store loves its customers and the service it provides. However, he admitted sometimes that it is not enough to stay in business.
Tekserve will end its retail business. However, the NYC store will still offer corporate sales as well as professional services for small and medium-sized companies.
Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs hosted a press event in 2001 when the first Apple Store was opened. It was located in Fairfax County, Virginia, which was the richest county in the United States at that time.
Tekserve's closing shows that the computer market has shifted. Gepner told the NYT that it is like a giant had crashed on the computer market instead of the PC industry failing.
Here's a video of the first Apple Store:
