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An Apple technology retailer is closing all of its branches in Germany in June. Criticizes the founder. All customer information at a glance.
Munich – If you want to buy an Apple product, you can go to an Apple store around the world. But iPhone, iPad and MacBook fans also found what they were looking for at a technology retailer in Germany. There were also many Apple products in Gravis branches, but that's now over for the Berlin-founded company. In June 2024, all Gravis branches will close forever.
Gravis branches close their doors across Germany: “Germany's largest retailer by far specializing in Apple products”
The Apple partner, where customers were able to bring their US company's devices into stores for repair, will close all of its stores by the end of June 2024. A statement from parent company Freenet AG on May 7 said: “Gravis, the largest retailer in Germany specializing in Apple, will cease operations.” So far, sales are largely at a total of 37 stores and the online store on June 15, 2024. All remaining work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2024. Other changes will also be made in June that will affect millions of German citizens.
The company, which Freenet bought in 2013, “has stores across Germany with about 600 employees,” according to Gravis’s homepage. In a report by L Work week It was said that the remaining branches will now be handled by Freenet. A Freenet spokesperson was quoted as saying: “One of the main reasons is the development that mono-brand stores and the associated reliance on a single brand – particularly with regard to Apple – are no longer economically sustainable.”
Gravis founder criticizes: “I am very disappointed in Apple”
Gravis was founded in Berlin in 1986 by two students from the Technical University of Berlin. One of the founders was Archibald Horlitz, and he expressed his criticism and incomprehension about the end of Gravis on his LinkedIn profile. “Even though GRAVIS was sold to Freenet AG over 12 years ago and is no longer my company for a long time, I have had a sleepless night and am very sad,” Horlitz wrote.
He added: “I am extremely disappointed in Apple, which I have been closely associated with for more than half my life. My thoughts are with the many employees who have now lost their jobs.”
Gravis-Aus in June 2024: What customers need to know
But what does the end of Gravis mean for technology retailer customers? The company explains the most important questions on its home page. Overview (As of May 29/Source: gravis.de):
- Redeem coupons: Currently, each coupon can be redeemed in stores or online.
- Complaint about the product: Complaints can be submitted as usual via customer service.
- Repairs: As of May 16, 2024, repairs will no longer be accepted. For devices that have already been delivered, the repair is still being completed – you can check the repair status at www.gravis.de/repairstatus be seen.
- Hardware protection: Hardware protection remains in place even after you turn off Gravis. The contacts for all contractual questions and claims processing are TARGO Versicherung AG or FIDESconsult.
- Subscriptions: The direct contractual partner for the subscription is C2 Circle. According to Gravis, C2 will enable customers to use an alternative service partner through which they can continue the subscription including all features – on the same terms as before.
- a guarantee: Gravis will service all warranty claims even after closing. Customers can raise their concerns via customer service.
Some branches of the Kaufland supermarket chain have also closed recently. It will be closed by early 2025.
