iQ store opening in Douglas

A new store offering a range of Apple products and support is opening in Douglas this morning.

The 'iQ' store, based at Victory House on Prospect Hill, will also provide a series of third-party gadgets and accessories from the likes of Bose, Sonos, Mous, Belkin and Marshal.

It'll also incorporate a training room and business suite with facilities and additional resources for support, repair and education services.

It's owned by SandpiperCL, which also recently opened the Card Factory shop on Strand Street in the Island capital.

Sandpiper's Retail Managing Director, Mike Rutter, says: "Sandpiper has been looking to invest in the Isle of Man for some time.

"We already operate several blue-chip franchises and we’ll be looking to either expand those into the island or invest in new franchises when we identify suitable opportunities."

13 new jobs have also been created as a result and locally-based contractors were used for the full site development.

Meanwhile, Sandpiper's Island-based Brand Director, Caroline Slowey-Dickinson, adds: "We have been overwhelmed with the help we have received from everyone in the Isle of Man. From the Government and official authorities to the professional teams and staff we have worked with, everyone has worked so hard to get to this point."

The shop will open to customers six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5pm.