When Powermax computers reopens its doors on Magellan Street next Monday, the good news is that Apple computer and device owners can finally get their tech fixed. 

The bad news is that if you want to buy a new Apple product, you’ll have to wait until May, when the next orders of products finally arrive.

As the only authorised Apple repair shop in the Lismore village, Powermax owner Alex Clarke said he’s been getting calls every day from desperate people keen to get their devices fixed. 

“There’s so much demand out there, we are happy to meet the demand,” Alex said.

“People are working at home more on their devices now and desperate to have them running.

“Since we closed the shop five weeks ago, we have been offering other service options that involve contacting Apple help on the phone or by mailing the device to Apple in Sydney. 

“There’s not many options for people to get Apple devices repaired without driving to Coffs Harbour to a shop there.”

Alex said there was a shortage of new technology products (including all brands of phones and computers) across the world at the moment because all manufacturers in China closed during December, January and February.

“So, there’s a three month supply gap and that’s why it’s hard to get new Apple products while they ramp production back up again,” he said.

“We will have people wanting to buy things, but we can’t get them until the end of May."

With low coronavirus transmission rates in the Northern Rivers, and the government easing restrictions, Powermax Computers joins other Lismore businesses that have decided it’s time to reopen again.

“Apple reopened their stores world wide today too,” Alex said. “They shut every store on March 1, except for China. We didn’t know that would happen when we were deciding to reopen.”

Alex said every safety precaution will be taken with devices in care and that physical distancing measures would be implemented to limit the number of people in the shop.

“Every machine or device will be disinfected at drop off and pick up time and hand sanitiser will be used at all times,” he said.

Alex said all the shop’s smiling staff will be back on board again, thanks to the government’s Jobkeeper payments.

Powermax Computers will be open from Monday, May 11, with weekday opening hours 10am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm and closed Sundays.