CompUSA
died a
sputtering,
inglorious death, but Ohio-based Systemax (which owns TigerDirect) didn't
shell out $30M to pick up the pieces for nothing: it's just announced that it's re-opening 15 US stores and opening a new one, 13 of which are in Florida. We're not sure why the Sunshine State faces the brunt of CompUSA's angry zombie wrath -- do retirees enjoy being ripped off?* -- but Texans and Puerto Ricans can join in the fun with four stores of their very own. These are all apparently open now -- anyone brave enough to check out the scene?
*Rejected asides: "Is this punishment for that Pitbull record?" "Guess you don't need braiiiiiins to pay these prices!" "Screw you, Mickey!"
[Thanks, Steven]
posted April 24th 2008 9:04PM
I just moved from KC to Tampa and was confused to see one down here. I suppose this explains it.
There's no way it could be any worse than before they closed.
I live near CompUSA Plantation, FL. When they opened it looked like crap. Went back 2 weeks later it was better:
They have a whole section for PC Builders: cases, motherboards, processors and cooling accesories. They even carry Power Supplies you couldn't get if it not online.
Only complaint is that there are lots and lots of brown boxes = REFURBISHED stuff. And NO SOFTWARE.
Based in Ohio? Their manufacturing division is, but their world headquarters is in Port Washington, NY on Long Island.
I used to work for CompUSA in Richmond, VA and the other employees weren't all douchebags...most, ya. I sold digital cameras which I knew about and PDAs which I had never even used before I started. I gave myself a crash course in PDAs, no company training was ever offered. So yeah, the employees sucked just as much as the management. Hopefully it will be better but I mean we're still talking about some guy working at CompUSA of course he going to try and act superior otherwise he cry to sell computers.
I live in Puerto Rico and the compUSA store here has been opened for a little more than two months and I went to check it out about a week ago. Very dissapointing, barely any merchandise, no more apples, not nearly as many TV's and overpopulated with useless employees.
*sadface :(
gods... I always thought that the people who worked their were zombies and now I know why... even the store itself is some sort of undead monster.
I live in Florida. All in all, I shop at Best Buy and Circuit City a little more than CompUSA. We are going to be getting a Few HHGregg stores in the Orlando area which I am sorta excited about.
Really and truly, unless i need something right this moment, I always get my stuff from newegg.
Wow, I had no idea about HH Gregg. One of the stores is in North Orlando, pretty close to where I live. Now, I'm excited too. I've never heard of HH Gregg but more big box stores competing = we win.
i'm in FL and i know compUSA was always a quick fix for something i needed faster than newegg could deliver. i hope the one they originally closed near me re-opens. ..but yeah, was always too expensive.
how strange that this has come back...earlier this morning on my commute into work, I was taking the Long Island Expressway and saw a tractor trailer on the side of the road...for those in the NY Metro area, I'll have you know that I saw a "Nobody Beats the Wiz" truck in its full glory. odd because the store closed down about 4-5 years ago, but was THE store for electronics here for a very long time.
One of those stores in 10 mins from me. It's a nice store.
I'm also opening a CompUSA store.... In my pants!!!!!
I stopped in a few weeks ago. It's slightly better than than it was before, though they did not have much in the way of high end stuff in stock. All of the sound cards I looked at were of the bargain basement variety priced at $30 and under. They had a few high end motherboards but not much else in the enthusiast class.
If you have any doubts about just how bad a company TigerDirect is just check them out on ripoffreport.com. Sneaky billing practices, hard to redeem rebates, thanks but I'll stick with NewEgg.
Tell "Speak The Facts" for me will you.
This is kind of interesting. The Microcenter in Fairfax, VA is currently selling tons of CompUSA branded items (mostly accessories) at VERY low prices. I figured they bought up the remainder of CompUSA's products when they went out of business and didn't bother to repackage them.
They don't have one to opening up in my locations. I live in the
East Central Florida regions. Looks like I has go to the Apple Specialist Store in Indians Harbor Beach.
I am running a Gigabyte mainboard that I got at the Tampa CompUSA before the changover. What can I say, I had me some computer problems and it was nice to at least have someplace easy to go where you could buy a mainboard. Everywhere else was crappy hole in the wall stores or overpriced big box stores. I used to order stuff from Tiger back in the day (way way back) so hopefully they will offer a nice place to shop for parts when you want that instant satisfaction that Newegg cant get ya. (Shipping from Newegg isnt super fast in Tampa)
The CompUSA location in my area (Altamonte Springs) was one of the shittier ones; old, run-down, and full of n00bs. It was closed for maybe a few weeks before re-opening, so I'm wondering how extensive the changes are. Either way, it's got to be an improvement. I don't care how much (new or old) CompUSA might blow...until we get a Fry's here in FL (please!) it's the best we've got....
TigerDirect's corporate headquarters is in Miami, just down the street from me. That's why they are opening in FL, at least that is my best guess.
I can't say I followed their day to day activities but out of the 5 stores close to me, only 2 complately closed. The other 3 seemed to magically stay open, albeit completely different looking on the inside. So the grand-reopening thing must be mostly pr, since technically they're just under new management, none of these stores seemed to actually close to the public. Personally, I like them. I've always liked TigerDirect and the CompUSA stores are like slightly smaller versions of the TigerDirect Outlet store here in SoFla. About the only things you'll find cheaper at Best Buy/Circuit City compared to these stores are sub 600 laptops. Otherwise you won't get a bigger bang for your buck...+ compusa/tiger stores tend to house a few OEM things so they're almost able to compete with Newegg...I got a 750gb Seagate sata drive for 139 from compy/tiger vs. newegg which has it for 129 and free shipping.
What I don't get however, is that if they're going through this 'reopening' thing, why they didn't just change the name to Tigerdirect, vs. keeping the compusa name is beyond me. Anyone down here who walks in will figure out that Tiger owns it. The store really is identical to Tiger apart from being more red themed vs. blue.
Anyway, for those who have never been to Tiger, I'd say check it out. You can't really lose...and don't let past issues with Tiger ONLINE change your mind. The store was always pretty good.
*looks up from his CivIV session* So CompUSA pulled a Jesus....huh....good for them. *Goes back to gaming*
Say what you want, but i have been getting email offers from CompUSA that Newegg couldn't touch. Not everything, but certain mobo/cpu/ram combos cannot be matched by anyone.
Another Floridian with an on-the-ground report here. I checked them out a week or so ago; major differences include an expanded components section (maybe 2 aisles before, now at least 4 aisles), significantly lower variety of merchandise overall (there were practically whole aisles devoted to the same boring product, in an evident attempt to not look half-empty), generally shittier products (I couldn't find a single SD, CF, or thumbdrive with more than 2 GB), and no Apple section whatsoever. On the plus side, their prices weren't all bad; they had 500 GB SATA internal hard drives for around $100, which is the going price on NewEgg.
I was recently in Ft. Myers Florida at one, and I've been to CompUSAs before but this newly opened one (went about a month ago) was amazing with prices. I was very impressed and I wish they didn't stay so concentrated in Florida.
Guess that ad campaign in Burnout Paradise wasn't really all for nothing, eh? XD
Still though, CompUSA can go rot in hell.... everywhere else is cheaper, and I like the new MicroCenter that dropped in the old one's place :D
I've been to the one near my house and as others have said, it's basically a retail Tiger catalog. Warehouse atmosphere with little customer service, but if you know what you want, the prices are comparable to online and you can have it now. I think it's a decent idea since there are a lot of us who already know what they need and don't want to pay the ridiculous prices of a best buy or the old compusa.
They are much nicer. I too hated the CompUSA of old.
Last week I got a refurb TomTom One for $99, a 2GB MicroSD for $19 and a 4GB USB stick for $15. Not bad!
Why does everyone hate CompUSA so much?
Best Buy is overpriced and absolutely sucks when it comes to finding computer components. Have you ever tried to buy some thermal grease there? If you do buy some there, just remember to bring a wad of cash, because you'll need it.
Circuit City sucks for just about everything except occasionally slightly lower prices than other electronic stores (although I still don't shop there because I don't agree with their business practices. Plus WTF is up with that whole stereo installation incident?).
So i'm basically left with Fry's. Sure, the selection is unbeatable, but then you try to find something that doesn't have an orange sticker on it indicating it's been opened and the selection drops dramatically, and most of the rest of it is Fry's "house brands" (ECS, Airlink, etc.) which, due to experience, i've learned to steer clear of. Plus, the closest Fry's to me is quite a drive compared to my (former) closest CompUSA.
Sure CompUSA staff isn't the best, but really, when is the last time you've been to any electronics store and been blown away by the "service"? Their deals, especially in the Sunday sales papers, are typically great, even though many of them have mail-in rebates (which I hate, BTW). I've bought many a component there that A) I couldn't find at any other big box retailer, and B) was significantly cheaper than what I could buy if the other said retailers had it in stock. Frankly, I'm excited my beloved CompUSA has a chance of returning sometime in the future. Sorry, rant over...
I am so sick of the egregious cynical comments of Engadget. I love seeing the new gadgets but I am so sick of un-necessarily negative comments like "We're not sure why the Sunshine State faces the brunt of CompUSA's angry zombie wrath -- do retirees enjoy being ripped off?*" Why must EVERY new article be peppered with negativity?
Come on Engadget.. There is enough negativity in this world without you pontificating in an extreme cynical fashion.
Yea, I live in SoFla and have had access to the Tiger Direct outlet store. So now having 5 - Tiger Direct stores to choose from is a nice change. Also the outlet store is in a not so great part of town and is very dirty and run down. So the new CUSA's are clean.
In fact a few weeks back, I went into one store to look for RAM for my son's laptop, it was "instock" online at compusa.com but not in the store. The store manager asked me on my way out if I found everything I was looking for and I indicated that online they had memory listed but it was not in stock. He said that they were getting more stock daily and should be fully stocked in a week or so. So this announcement is timely.
Utah CompUSA stores are still empty here with "FOR LEASE" signs on them. I would rather Fry's take a shot at opening here then to see the resurgence of CompUSA here.
Sounds like the FLA stores under new management, are doing better than their previous zombie version.
Well now. I have been waiting for a place to say this, so here goes.
This "CompUsa" is an OUTLET STORE, not a thing like the original, however bad the old CompUsa was. I have visited both stores here in Jacksonville, Fl and was shocked at what I found. Although they do sell some current goods, most of it is old B and C stock. Case in point, they claim to sell Apple but all the goods are 2 years old. When asked I was told that ever since the Tiger name fight with Apple, they won't sell Tiger direct so they pay $5.00 more than everybody else. However, the Mac mini's at $499.00 were 2 YEARS old. The sales person told me they were current goods. When I showed him that he was not being truthful he said they just say that to noobs who don't know the difference! My antennae went up to full extenstion and I did some close checking. I am very well versed in all things electronic and follow it all very closely....that is why I am at Engadget all day every day! I looked at the PCs and they are beat to s***, debranded and old Systemax crap. Every box is a re-pack. Clear tape is over mfg security tape, old shipping labels etc. Also, they repack old stuff into new brown boxes. Very shady. They have taken all the old CompUsa stock they could buy and set it out for sale, but it is old and crappy stock. The flat screens are most likely from the Good Guys warehouse since CompUsa bought them to get into CE-home. This stuff is just stacked up all over the store willy nilly. They show a lot of DLP projection sets....a good indicator of their MO. A lot of the brands have stopped mfg these sets last year!
Here is my issue; They have a disclosure sheet sequestered off to the side of ONE cash register, at customer service, very much hidden in BOTH stores. It states that they are an "outlet store" and because of that status some items are NOT returnable, "as is" or have a restricted return policy of varying degrees. In other words don't bother us with a DOA, call the mfg and have a nice day. These goods are gray!!!! The sales staff is not honest and used deceptive sales practices on me in BOTH stores. The sign should say CompUSA Outlet Store" and have all return and sales limitations posted on each isle and on every product display.
Case in point; I bought some Ultra AA and AAA Alkaline cells at about 3 dollars below normal pricing. I thought how could this be a trick...it was just batteries. Well let me tell you, they were five years old and one set of AAA's lasted 10 minutes!
These people are trading on the old company name and the way they did business and are hoping that unsuspecting "old" customers will come in the store thinking they are OK! They have left the stores with what ever was left behind in placards and other things that old customers will recongnize . They have just thrown the "new" goods right on top of the dust and and crap left behind by the liquidator.
If it looks like s***, and smells like s***, therefore it must be s***!
"I looked at the PCs and they are beat to s***, debranded and old Systemax crap. Every box is a re-pack. Clear tape is over mfg security tape, old shipping labels etc. Also, they repack old stuff into new brown boxes"
Rick you make a lot of statements that sound like you are basing them on fact, when of course it is obvious that you are not.
"Every box is a repack" - That is obsurd. Not worth any more comment.
"They repack old stuff into new brown boxes" - Can you please find one item in the store that is re-packed, or re-furbished and does not state so on the box?
"I looked at the PCs and they are beat to s***, debranded and old Systemax crap" - They carry Sony, HP, Lenovo, Compaq, Emachine, Gateway. What brand are you looking for sir?
"They have taken all the old CompUsa stock they could buy and set it out for sale, but it is old and crappy stock. The flat screens are most likely from the Good Guys warehouse since CompUsa bought them to get into CE-home" - For someone who is "well versed in all things electronic" you sure are misinformed. Or audaciously assumptive. CompUSA bought good guys in 2004. Please list a TV you saw in a CompUSA that was manufactured in 2004 or before.
Thanks for wasting our time with exaggerated statements. For everyone else. I went and noticed a difference in pricing and selection. Yes there are refurbs, and open box items.
Wow, so much hate for CompUSA. I used to work for them and then they closed out here in CA even though we were making our quotas. CompUSA closed down because the CEO was an incomprable moron who only cared about selling the company (instead of fixing the problems that were hiting him in the face) as soon as he was hired.
I agree with most of you in saying that their prices were outrageous. I currently work at Newegg so I know what good pricing is. I dont beleive anyone who will say TigerDirect/Systemax/CompUSA has better pricing than newegg on computer components for everyone. Maybe their CE items and desktop towers. I even checked pricing and our normal pricing is lower than the sales they have. You all have to realize that these companies are for businesses and mark up really high for random people walking in. That way they can tell businesses on how much they are saving by buying from them.
As far as the employees, I have never worked with such an intelligent group in CA with the exception of a few. The manager we had hired the computer nerds to work there. So if you had bad expiriences with the emplyees maybe it was because of a bad manager, or you were asking for too much because I saw that all the time when I worked at CompUSA. I mean come on, when you bring in a computer that was on display back with only half the motherboard in the system and nothing else, do you really think we would return it?
Science has shown that by applying electric currents to the muscles they can be made to twitch and move, even in dead animals. And, while Systemax/TigerDirect may want to call the stores "CompUSA" it's still TigerDirect - a company that primarily deals in overstock, end-of-life, and refurb equipment. I certainly hope they're smarter than to hire on any of the previous management from Dallas to run them. I hear that insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.
I can see why comp went under. I tried to buy a computer there a few years back and walked out of the store after half hour arguing with a salesman about an extended warenty that I didn't want. I took a ride to Circuit City and bought the same computer for $50. less and no hassle about an extended waranty.
Last year my old mac died.. it was a pinful death for me, after 5 faithful years I had to have a new computer. So I went to CompUSA in Orlando. I had to have all the files from my mac loaded onto my new computer. They told me that it would be a few hours and to come back. Day after day I went back, they said they woudl call... no one called... finally they said they had some sad news. The mac hard drived had crashed and there was nothing left. I was devasted. All my pics and 20 years of my proffesional portfolio gone. I had a back up but not everything was on it. So I fodun this company that restores hard drives, and they were able to rstor the one returned to me from CompUSA. Funny thing. It was NOT my hard drive. They had returned someone elses to me.. not even a mac! Maybe if they reopen I can track down the fellow it belongs too.. and maybe he has mine. Horrible, horrible servie and incompetent help.
Tiger Direct had a terrible customer service dept. Tried a number of years ago to order a new system from them and it was put on back order. Called numerous times to check on delivery and was put on hold for hours. Could not talk to a live person no matter how hard I tried or get a return phone call. I finaly cussed out the recording machine and swore never to spend another nickle with them.
I wonder if Waste Management is planning a retasil store!
I live in Florida too. We have all the top named stores but I always found that CompUSA has good prices and excellent well trained staff who knew there stuff. Not like some of the other chain stores where you can tell the sales rep or assistant was grasping for straws and making up answers. It seems like these other stores were only intrested in getting your buck! Go CompUSA. Glad you are back!!!
I am in Fort Myers, FL, and when CompUsa was going out of business, I bought a few things there, because the prices were great at the time. The last day of the sale ( a Saturday) I was there, and they were selling the shelves off the walls!
Drove by the following Monday, and the sign said Grand Opening Sale. I was so confused.
I feel like I was tricked by them.
Good for Comp-USA. I danced on their grave the first time around and I will have even more fun dancing on it again.
Great News!!
I live in Melbourne and know all the sales reps and techs - great bunch of
people.
I am sorry they closed in the first place - I had a corporate account there
and really enjoyed the great customer service an internet-based company would never be able to give.
I bought a computer system from CompUSA a couple of years ago and was told incorrect things about the system. I went to purchase it at the register and another salesperson jumped in front of me after I had waited in line for 15 minutes to make sure her customer was next and I thought that was completely rude. Any dealings after that were a nightmare and I decided I would pay more before I would do business there again.
JUST announced!? I've known since early March. I walked into my Comp USA, and it looked very dead, but all the employees were still there, still busy. They told us Tiger Direct had acquired them, and that they were going to get new merchandise in soon. Around the time they started barraging my inbox with "GRAND OPENING" messages, I considered notifying a blog network, but didn't think anyone would really care.
What an article. What ever happened to unbiased journalism?
The article is true. Some of the reasons they went out of business is because their customer service was non existant, their prices were too high, and their return policies were too strict. Tiger Direct must havee bought them with hopes of becoming a full fledged retail outlet that could compete with Best Buy and others. However, they must restore the companies image and consumer confidence to make that happen. I visited the North Palm Beach, FL store today and can only say that I was not impressed, but will probably give them a couple of months to get settled in before I try visiting again. The stores will only be as good as their management. My experience today left me uncertain of the management.
CompUSA will never be a leader in the retail biz. Now it’s even worse, because half their items are either refurbished or returns! And they don’t even tell you! Go look at the small signs they have posted at the Customer Service area. Selling junk for not that much lower than you could buy new, from a bunch of unknowledgeable sale people (when you can find one) that walk around like they know it all. Then you ask them a question and they’re like “oh, let me find out about that”. I will take my business elsewhere! Thank God for eBay!!
In GOOD CompUSA news... they honored my warranty claim for a 'defective DVD ROM Tray' on my Xbox360 (I have to manually hit the eject button... instead of hitting eject remotely) and are now sending me a check for the purchase price of my Xbox 360 for $385.
yay.