Academy Store snapped up by Melbourne Apple chain

Troubled Sydney Apple reseller, Academy Store, has been bought by Melbourne-based My Mac Australia.

Liquidators were appointed to the Academy store in April after the store's reseller agreement with Apple was cancelled. My Mac owner, Steve Bardel, said the store's Bondi location represented a good opportunity for My Mac to expand outside of Victoria.

"We've got further plans to move into other states but we're not looking to have competing stores in Sydney," he said.

Bardel said 90 per cent of Academy Store staff will be retained. The store will be rebranded, with the rebranding process to start with a new website as early as next week.

My Mac will also continue the store's customer rewards promotion, the Academy Card.

Bardel was not concerned by the forthcoming opening of Apple's first direct Sydney store in the CBD. Last week, the vendor posted a large sign on its premises on the corner of King and George streets flagging the upcoming launch of the store.

"Apple has been experiencing steady growth for the past few years. The opening of the Apple stores might slow things down a bit but ultimately what's good for Apple is good for us," Bardel said.

"I wouldn't be buying Academy Store if I thought the opening of the Apple store would damage business in the long run."

Bardel said his initial focus with the rebranded Academy Store will be to get goodwill back.

"Ben Morgan built a very good business and we just want to build on that," he said.