SAD, the largest Apple retailer in Poland acquired by PTL International, the technology division of Hili Ventures Ltd, recently opened its 22nd iSpot Apple premium reseller.
This latest addition to SAD’s nationwide iSpot network is situated on Marszałkowska Street, one of Warsaw’s main thoroughfares. It is SAD’s ninth store in the capital and, significantly, Apple’s 900th premium reseller in Europe.
This two-storey flagship iSpot is Poland’s first Apple premium reseller to combine a store with an Apple-authorised service centre. It will offer a full range of authorised repair services on Apple and third party products. Services include door-to-door facilities, replacement equipment and data backup. iSpot Marszałkowska’s team includes 10 sales assistants and six Apple technicians.
Representatives from Apple Europe, journalists and technology writers, Apple bloggers and SAD’s retail and business customers were among the guests at the opening event. Long queues formed outside the store and customers were able to purchase Apple devices at special discounts. In various areas of the store, Apple experts showcased the Laica T camera’s compatibility with iPad and GoPro’s camera solutions. There were demonstrations of the iPad’s mobile solutions for business, the extensive applications of Microsoft Office and its endless entertainment offering.
“This 246-square metre store is Poland’s first Apple premium reseller to be located on a high street,” SAD’s managing director Andrzej Paluszynski said.
“Traditionally, Apple premium resellers are housed within major shopping malls. iSpot Marsazolkowska is accessible at street level and is well positioned to tap the monthly footfall of eight million people in this key shopping district in Warsaw.”
“This store opens just in time to deliver the latest innovations from Apple to a range of new customers,” PTL International chief executive officer Kenneth Spiteri affirmed.
“PTL International will continue to support SAD’s growth strategy as it pursues its vision to tap numerous diverse opportunities in the B2B and B2C segments across Poland. To this end, PTL International and SAD are successfully fusing knowledge and expertise to meet our objectives.”
Established in 1991, SAD enjoys three statuses: Apple Premium Reseller, Apple Authorised Training Centre and Apple Authorised Service Provider. It operates a chain of 22 iSpot stores in Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Gdynia, Wroclaw, Lodz, Poznan and Katowice.
SAD’s B2B operation, SAD Corporate, provides supply and integration solutions, technical assistance and training to corporate, local government and individual clients, including major Polish public and commercial TV stations, telecom operators, cable television, schools and educational institutions.
PTL International acquired SAD in early July. Established earlier this year to bring together all Hili Ventures’ diversified technology activities into one business cluster, PTL International prides itself on a critical mass of specialised capabilities, knowledge and experience. It encompasses four main arms: retail, business solutions, borderless value added services and communications.
PTL International draws together PTL Malta and its branches in Dubai, Libya and the Baltics, APCO, Apple Premium Reseller chain iCentre in Hungary and Romania (a joint venture with VJ Salomone) and a key shareholding in Smart Technologies operating in Malta.
Across its activities in various industries and markets, PTL International enjoys high-level technological, operational and management expertise, resulting in multi-level synergies.
As a subsidiary of Hili Ventures Ltd, PTL International is able to tap into the commercial expertise and experience of a group present in more than 12 countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa with a team of 3,500 people.
Hili Ventures is a partner of McDonald’s, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, Lenovo, CMA CGM, Allison Transmissions, Hoffmann and Terberg.