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How one independent retailer competes with Apple Stores

by Kelly Hodgkins Jul 27th 2011 at 4:00PM

Darryl Peck has a 25-year long history of working with Apple; first as a software developer, then as a reseller at outpost.com. Four years ago, the seasoned businessman decided to open his own retail store, PeachMac, and now he competes head-to-head with the Cupertino company.

Even though Apple has five stores throughout Georgia, Peck still manages to draw in customers. Similar to Apple, the secret to his success is ample inventory, attractive store layout and exceptional customer service.

Peck fills his stores chock full of Apple products and over 1500 accessories, as compared to the 300 or so carried at Apple Stores. Each accessory is carefully selected and tested for product compatibility before placing it on the shelves. Inventory inside the store is well-organized and pleasing to customers.

Peck also places a high priority on customer service. He hires top-notch people and offers different programs and workshops not offered by Apple retail stores. Because he runs a small operation, Peck can focus more on his customers and believes the programs he offers are better than Apple's.

This strategy is working out well for Peck. Despite the odds, PeachMac is thriving. The entrepreneur has five PeachMac stores in operation and plans to open three more by the end of the year.

[Via Business Insider]



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Darryl Peck has a 25-year long history of working with Apple; first as a software developer, then as a reseller at outpost.com. Four...
 

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8 Comments

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Jeffg819

I've met Darryl a few times and he runs a great store (I lived in Athens, Ga for about 10 years). What I particularly like is he carries some of the latest, greatest Apple accessories long before anyone else. Shopping in his store is like going treasure hunting, I seem to always find a gold nugget. He also does a good job of targeting spots that have enough Apple of the right Apple demographics, but not too much to attract Apple to the city (Athens is a college town about 60 miles from Atlanta).

July 28 2011 at 9:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeremy Straughan

Guys, the dude owns less than ten stores in the state, their quite tiny compared to official Apple retail, but are located in key distances from the metropolitan locations of the actual stores. I reserved my iPad 2 at a PeachMac

July 28 2011 at 8:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Martin C

By far the most interesting thing I've read on TUAW in some time. Nice write up Kelly.

July 27 2011 at 5:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeremy

Congrats, you just got this guy sued for having "Mac" in the name of his store. lol.

July 27 2011 at 5:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Jeremy's comment
mikehild

If they're officially recognized Apple dealers, selling Apple's products, I'm sure it's no issue. There's a Mac dealer in my city called Mac Station for example. Now if they called themselves Mac Station and sold PCs, I'm sure Apple wouldn't be pleased.

July 27 2011 at 6:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mikehild

My point being that they're companies that sell Macs, so they need to have "Mac" in the name so people know they sell Macs. Otherwise they might drive down the road to BestBuy and get convinced by the staff to buy a PC instead, meaning a lost sale for Apple, so it's in their best interest to let Authorized Apple dealers use Mac in their name, as long as it's clear they're not an official Apple Store or another Chinese clone...

July 27 2011 at 6:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Wayne Luke

Apple Stores aren't ubiquitous and individuals can improve to succeed. I live near Los Angeles and the nearest Apple Store is 60 miles away in Glendale. With traffic, that can turn into an all day event. At the minimum, it is a 3 hour experience. I'd love to have something closer, even a small chain like this. All we have to rely on is a single Best Buy store in a an area with almost 400,000 people.

July 27 2011 at 4:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve Downing

Sponsored advert disclaimer needed?!

July 27 2011 at 4:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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