Peachmac goes to Florida

Athens-based PeachMac, an independent retailer of Apple products and accessories, is opening two stores on the west coast of Florida this month.

The stores are the first in the state for the small chain, which has eight locations in Georgia, one in Alabama and another opening in the spring in Charlottesville, Va.

PeachMac president Darryl Peck said he chose the Tampa Bay area based on the population and limited access to Apple stores. Apple has two retail stores in the area: at International Plaza and Westfield Brandon.

Founded in 2007 and based in Athens, the company is one of 175 independent Apple specialists and the third largest nationwide, Peck said. Its pric- es are the same as at Apple stores, and product availability varies depending on the location and item.

Mall officials are thrilled to welcome a store devoted to Apple products.

“This is definitely a brand that had been requested time and time again,” said Taylor Clifton, marketing director for Westfield Citrus Park. “This is certainly going to fulfill a niche.”

PeachMac carries about 1,000 Apple products, Peck said. Among them, according to the company: “way, way more different Mac, iPad, iPod and iPhone accessories, software, backpacks, cables, etc., than an Apple Store.”

PeachMac does not sell the iPhone but services it.

PeachMac has service departments for repairing Apple products and free training workshops.