Leading Edge Computers (LEC) Darwin’s store will open its doors to customers for the last time tomorrow, Saturday, April 30 for a massive closing out sale, after announcing that the company will be closing for good due to ongoing crime issues and financial hardship.

“In these difficult trading times, especially of the last few years, our final words are to encourage you to keep supporting your local small business, lest they disappear, one by one,” LEC Darwin said in a statement.

After serving the local community for 25 years in computer business services, servicing PCs and Macs, LEC made the difficult decision to shut down its operations, which it said was a result of ongoing crime, the increased difficulty in doing business and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was Darwin’s only certified Apple service provider.

“The daily challenges of staffing, thefts, vandals and break-ins have all been accumulating a growing toll,” the company said.

“Additionally, compliance requirements as an Apple Service Provider have become so onerous that it is not financially viable for us to continue working within their business model ecosystem.”

LEC said it will be selling the store fixtures and fittings, including its remaining floor stock below cost, and is inviting everyone to visit the store one last time and make an offer as there will be bargains available for early customers.

“We would like to thank our loyal customers that have repeatedly supported us over the years and referred us to family and friends. Without your loyalty, Leading Edge Computers would not have been successful,” the statement read.

LEC is also encouraging current customers who have any unsettled transactions to finalise their accounts.