Computers and other items that have been repaired and serviced are shown. Owner Dan Potratz urged customers to pick up any items by Feb. 28. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo

KAHULUI — After nearly a quarter century of serving Maui’s computer and technology needs, locally owned MacNet is powering down next month.

The store, which sells Apple and Bose products and provides tech support, recently announced its forthcoming closure on March 15 due to changing trends. Product sales are being held, along with a celebration event from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Kahului location where staff will explain how clients can continue to get help.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do without them,” said Sylvia Hamilton Kerr of Haiku, a 15-year customer, who was getting store tech support Wednesday. “It’s too bad.”

Launched in 1996 on Wili Pa Loop in Wailuku, the store was originally named “The Internet Source and More” because it helped clients “get on a crazy new thing called the internet,” said president and owner Dan Potratz. Since then, the center moved to two other spots before settling at the busy corner of Dairy Road and Hana Highway.

“Based on my love of Apple, I thought, why don’t I start this?” Potratz said. “With their blessing, it opened and we grew from there.”

Dan Potratz, MacNet owner and president, helps 15-year-long customer Sylvia Hamilton Kerr on Wednesday. MacNet, which served Maui for nearly 24 years, will close March 15. “I don’t know what we’re going to do without them,” she said. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo

Potratz said he’s always liked Apple products, thanks to its customer support and integration with other devices. The owner, who years ago started the Maui Apple User Society user group, which is now under different leadership and named Maui Apple Users Society, said the Mac community is a family. Also, buyers have a sense of loyalty.

“Once people buy an Apple machine, they stick to them,” he said.

As Apple evolved, MacNet altered its offerings. Some remember the heavy, bulky, bullet-looking computers that once sat on shelves. Now, nearly paper-thin laptops and sleek flatscreen desktops line the brightly lit, well-kept store, which has five employees.

The internet age brought lightning-fast changes and technological advancements, along with a rapidly evolving industry. Potratz said many things once purchased in a store are now bought online.

“Trends have changed quite a lot,” Potratz said. “People are buying online, and Costco is giving more options to buy Apple products.”

Jennifer Charter, MacNet general manager, helps customers check out Wednesday at the Kahului computer and technology store. Charter, whose brother owns MacNet, said she will miss the store once it closes March 15. The Maui News / KEHAULANI CERIZO photo

“Our lease is up at end of March, and based on trends we’re seeing, we just decided not to make another long-term commitment,” he added.

With the quick rate of change, especially in the tech industry, some things remained the same for MacNet. Potratz and sister, Jennifer Charter, who manages the store, said they have always prioritized customer service.

“I think where I have had the most enjoyment is in the sales,” Potratz said. “I tell people what the product is capable of, and you see their eyes light up. We probably help 50 customers a day. Our goal has always been customer service.”

Charter, who’s been general manager since 2005, said MacNet has been a second home.

“It’s been a home for me,” she said. “And that part is sad. I’m excited to have a new chapter but I know I will be missing it.”

As for what’s next for Potratz?

“I’ll just be going to the beach a lot,” he said with a laugh.

* Kehaulani Cerizo can be reached at kcerizo@mauinews.com.

INFOBOX:

MacNet Closure Dates

• Repair pickups: All repair items must be picked up by Feb. 28 or they will be considered abandoned. Last day for accepting repairs was Feb. 1.

• Celebration and thank you event: 6 to 7 p.m., Friday.

• Support: Final day for counter assistance Feb. 15.

• Closure: Last day open to public March 15.

• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

• Location: 444 Hana Highway, Kahului.

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