Beyond CompUSA, there are only a handful of alternative walk-in retail technology chains. Best Buy, Fry's Electronics, and Circuit City are some of the most popular, but CompUSA had a special prominent impact in the past. Unfortunately, the end is now near for the company. These are my thoughts on the closure of what was once the most promising retail technology chains in America.

CompUSA, which was named Soft Warehouse at the time, opened its doors to the public in 1985. Quickly experiencing rapid growth, the company opened its first superstore only three years later. The idea was solid and growth continued on. In 1991, the company officially changed their name to the CompUSA name by which we know today. CompUSA was the largest chain of computer superstores during this time period.

(Image Credit: Tyler Durden | CC)
Things went downhill since the name change, and while there were a few glimmers of hope in the early 1990s, it just has not worked in the company's favor. Here today we are faced with the reality that CompUSA is closing up shop with news that all 103 remaining stores are being liquidated for the new year.

Was it bad management, poor customer service, better competition, or a combination of all these things which lead to the end of this once powerful franchise? This news is a disappointment to many, but the company was on a degrading path to which is eventually the dead end.

My Thoughts

Any time that I have made my way to CompUSA in the past (I have gone there since I was around the age of six), I have never received a bad vibe from the stores. I never had an issue with tech support or employees; however, I rarely needed the assistance. I believe that my first computer was purchased from CompUSA. I also purchased several game systems and computer hardware from their stores. Again, there was never any problems.

I actually enjoyed going there more than a place like Best Buy; particularly because I did not have to deal with people asking me if I required assistance every minute (just back off Best Buy employees!). I do realize that others appreciate that kind of "service," but for the people that knew what they want, it was nice to go into CompUSA without being constantly annoyed.

Competition from stores like Fry's and Best Buy (which has been making great strides in profit gains) have really slammed the hammer down on CompUSA. Also take into consideration the online retail sites like Newegg.com, which are able to offer the goods for less cost, and it becomes apparent that this all has put a hurting on the tech retail chain. It was a slow and painful death, and I am disappointed to see the company go.

If you are fortunate enough to have a CompUSA that is still open near your location, be sure to take advantage of the store's closing by checking out the great liquidation sales going on. Pay your last respects to a company with a troubled history; get some amazing tech gadgets while you are at it.

What does this mean for me? Well, I just have to deal with those highly abrasive Best Buy employees more often now. Hopefully this will not be too difficult of a task.

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