RIP First Avenue

Kosh

Ok, what was that. That's a new way of posting a news item, isn't it. Take and use a bunch of info passed off in a forum (some of it old) and compile it altogether. You haven't got your own news site Newsman? Not that I'm complaining.

On the subject of First Avenue, it's sad to hear of another Mac dealer closing.

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Chealion

Kosh - Couldn't you call ehMac a news site? In a way anyway since it's predominantly discussion based on news from other sources, but Canadian resellers do play a role in the community of ehMac and the demise of another reatiler is news especially for the Canadian Mac Community.

I haven't seen anything about the closing on their web site yet however.

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Trevor...

Often, the website is never updated to reflect a business has closed its doors and just goes down once and for all when their webhosting expires.

Andrew Dunning

I'm actually from Brantford, and have been to iC SuperComputers (icnme.com). They are nice enough, and, yes, they're tax-free.

However, I must say that the store isn't exactly the nicest I've been in (it smells slightly of smoke, doesn't have great lighting, and is rather small). As well, the attendant (Kayla) actually knows more than the owner/"technician", Wray. He told me, for example, that you needed a SuperDrive to run GarageBand. Ouch.

My favourite dealer is actually Light Computer in Hamilton. The people are very helpful, and it's a lovely store, often with several demo models running. (On the other hand, I've heard that some people deplore them. Whatever.)

ravijo

Though this isn't great news, I think the point is that it's not clear why First Avenue is closing. In all fairness, I don't know ANYONE who can justify making the trip out to Yorkmills from downtown, and I've confirmed this with pretty much EVERY mac owner I know from my hood (Riverdale) in Toronto (save maybe on opening day, what with the goody bags and all). I think Carbon et al. are safe!

That said, Guelph (my new home) is a HUGE university town, filled with potential mac buyers and plenty of mac users, quite similar to Waterloo. I'm going to say that First Avenue closing is only IN PART to do with the Apple store, and I'd say open a Guelph Apple Authorized Retailer! Pop the cherry on the Guelph Mac Market, will ya?!

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mmirage_

There is another choice in Cambridge, although I cringe at the thought...

Computer Lynx is located on Industrial Road between Bishop & Dunbar. They have been dealing in Apple products for, I believe, just under 2 years now.

Personally, I've never been fond of their service, and while I have a friend who just bought a machine from them, some of the information they were spouting off was just plain wrong. Hopefully if they are smart they will grab up a few First Avenue staffers to help them build the Apple side of their business.

happ ymac

There is a Mac dealer in guelph it is called { Abacus} 485 Silvercreek pkwy I called the Apple Authorized Store Locator and they gave me the name.

lotus

Another choice would be Fountain Green Group. Rob is located near Limehouse between 40l and Acton. He covers a wide territory, including Kitchener/Waterloo. He has always given me excellent service and he does house calls!

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daBoss

This seems like a fitting thread to reiterate my opinions vis-a-vis large retailers, especially foreign-owned ones, gobbling up marketshare. I have mentioned many times in various threads here the issues relating to smaller retailers as the occasion presents itself. Walmart is a grand example of this phenomenon. Apple is also an example as it's been actively killing off it's independent dealers in the States and looks poised to do the same thing here and elsewhere. Unfair trade practises abound. It's why for more than 25 years I've made choices with my wallet, and encouraged others to do the same thing.

I NEVER shop at Walmart. I always choose a local supplier wherever possible over a national or international option where price and/or quality is similar. I always buy gasoline from a Canadian-owned retailer. I can't guarantee who owns the downstream refinery but at least I know the profits from my sale stays in my community or my country. I shop at the communally-owned and locally operated Calgary Co-Op or the Canadian-owned Real Canadian Superstore (Loblaws out east) rather than Safeway. I look at labels so, when I see nachos made in the US and in Canada, I buy the Canadian ones which are, coincidentally, made in Calgary. I prefer to buy clothing made in Canada and sold by a Canadian firm. I buy locally produced beer wherever possible whether it's Granville Island in Vancouver, Upper Canada in Ontario or Big Rock here, to name but a few options. I wish I could buy more local produce but, in Alberta, that's rather difficult to do. However, it's easy to get Alberta beef - the best in the world I might add ;-). I choose BC apples over Washington State apples and so on and so forth.

After a while, it becomes a state of mind and awareness. The lowest possible price is not always the best deal. These actions benefit our communities and our country more than you can imagine. Moreover, local governments, that are often beat up for major tax concessions not offered to smaller businesses, would also benefit. If more of us followed these simple guidelines and steps, you may be surprised at the impact on our economy.

I also suggest that, if you want to have these local dealers and the sense here is that you do, you write to Apple to tell them that they NEED viable local and regional dealers. This has been the backbone of Apple's success in Canada for 25 years. They ought not to turn their backs on dealers now.

(Mildly edited since originally posted in the Walmart thread)

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mactrombone

Yeah, but with one caveat: whatever we choose to support must also provide quality and service. I just went through this dilemma with a photo store right near my house. I am totally in support of local businesses but this particular store couldn't get my order right. Many times in a row. Should I continue to support them because they are right on my way to my daughter's school? No. If you can't get it right, I am not coming back. I will take my business to another local establishment and try them out. If I keep doing this and I end up with a non-local photo shop, so be it. The locals didn't prove their worth so I take my business elsewhere.

Would you continue to buy local apples if they were mealy, bruised and lacked quality?

As upsetting as it is that First Avenue is closing, my personal experience with them was not great. Their location is not convenient. Their stock was quite lacking. Let's see: poor customer service, bad location, no stock. It all seems to add up to me.

I feel for the individuals that will be losing their jobs at the mercy of management, they were nice people but unfortunately it takes more than that to run a BUSINESS and that is exactly what Apple and Apple resellers are: a business.