Local Apple-authorized retail and service provider Simply Mac shut down without notice
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – A local Apple-authorized retail and service provider – Simply Mac – has shut its doors without notice leaving its employees and customers wondering what to do next.
Madeleine Mizelle dropped off her computer days ago and fears she may never get it back.
“They called me a day or two ago and told me it’s ready, so then I come today and then you (WWAY News) all are out here and you’ll tell me what happened,” said Mizelle.
In a letter sent out Thursday to all employees, their CEO Rein Voight said all employees are terminated effective immediately.
The company’s CEO blamed the abrupt shutdown on pandemic-related financial troubles.
Customer after customer – left stunned, confused, and frustrated as they approached the business on Thursday.
“If I don’t get it back, well, that’s a lot of lost money,” said Mizelle.
Dustin Colie frequented the store before and liked having a Mac store in the Cape Fear, he said he will have to look for another store, hoping there is one in the area.
“Kind of shocked to see the door closed and several people trying to get in, it’s kind of crazy,” said Colie.
In the letter dated June 9th, send to WWAY News, employees were told they would not be paid on Friday or “in the future”, and could submit a claim once they receive notice from the bankruptcy court.
WWAY called Simply Mac’s corporate office – and was transferred through an automated system – the call went straight to voicemail.
Nancy Brown almost left her computer at the store Wednesday but decided against it.
“They asked me if I wanted to leave it or come back tomorrow,” she said. “So I didn’t leave it because I just had a weird feeling, why would I leave it if they are only downloading an app?
“So I came back today, right now and the store is closed.”
Closed and leaving their customers to figure out how they will recoup their property and money they paid in advance.
According to the letter, all remaining assets will be liquidated.
