Another one bites the dust: CompUSA to close

NEWS FLASH! I just read in CNNMoney.com that CompUSA will close all of its 103 stores after the holidays. As far as I know, this is one of the last national computer stores to close. It joins other chain stores such as Computer City, Gateway and Computer Warehouse in biting the dust. That leaves appliance and electronics stores, office supply stores, neighborhood computer stores, Apple Stores and Internet vendors as suppliers.

I’m sad to see it go. I spent a lot of time after work at the 5th Avenue and West 38th Street store looking for game software for my kids. I bought cables, memory chips and printer toner cartridges. I helped friends buy their computers and other equipment. And I remember the lines that formed outside when Windows 95 made its debut.

But the most fun I had was eavesdropping on a sales rep pitch to a customer because I could tell whether or not the rep knew their stuff about the products they sold. I would silently nod my head in approval or wince if they gave the wrong information. I’ll really miss that.

Well, so long, CompuUSA. Rest in peace in silicon heaven!