Comments on: Your Opinion: What’s Your Brick-And-Mortar Electronics Store?

By: ankt

ankt — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:40:00 +0000

Fry’s in Indianapolis for me!

By: Albert

Albert — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:23:48 +0000

Best Buy is my first stop if I need something right away, but as everyone has said it tends to be more expensive. Usually I end up at Tiger Direct, but only if I know EXACTLY what I’m looking for. Tiger tends to sell throw back items. Be carefull because Tiger can be difficult with their return policy. Best Buy has the best return policy – no questions asked.

Nick is correct in that CompUSA and Tiger are the same. They are both owned by Systemax which has also bought Circuit City for their grand reopening.

By: Nick C.

Nick C. — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:15:41 +0000

CompUSA is actually owned and operated by TigerDirect now. They have the same deals and prices and stock as tigerdirect.com which is one of the best places to buy online. Not only do they beat Wal-Mart and other stores’ prices, but you can go to the brick&mortar store, shop around and have the same prices as online. If they don’t have what you want in the store that’s near you, there is an awesome option, not offered by Wal-Mart or others, to browse their entire website right there in the store on any of the display computers, order the product in the store and have it shipped to your house…for FREE. beat that

By: Bruce Johnson

Bruce Johnson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:34:48 +0000

Southern California (Los Angeles): Fry’s (frys.com). Can be a total geek store; can find components on up to computers and everything electronic.
Office supply: Both Staples and Office Depot. Can usually find what I need between them.
Department Store: Target (2 of them) are close, so tend to go there. However, a reasonable drive gets me to Wal-Mart with a larger selection.

By: Ryan P.

Ryan P. — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:21:08 +0000

Similar to Steve – I only make a trip out to a “brick and mortar” store if I’m looking for something that day. Best Buy is usually where I head, because of location and their selection. Their prices, however, are appalling compared to online retailers. I order from newegg whenever possible.

By: Steve Stone

Steve Stone — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:53:42 +0000

Electronics stuff: I only go to local brick and mortar stores if I need something right now or something is one sale. Best Buy is my local choice though it never has been the total solution. Non sale items can be way overpriced compared to online shops. I once purchased an 8 port 10/100 switch online at NewEgg for one third the asking price at Best Buy. I only go to Radio Shack if I need a small part or an unusual battery. Otherwise they are useless unless you want to buy a cell phone plan or a RC car. I avoid big ticket items at Radio Shack after purchasing “new” items that once the box was opened I found they are actually reboxed returns missing plugs, cables, covers, scratched, etc.

The only office supply store in my area is Staples. Watch their rebates. They’ve switched from rebate checks to debit cards that take 6 months to get in your mail box and those debit cards can be difficult to use if you go over the balance left on the card or you are stuck with a buck or two left on the card.

Big box stores: locally I prefer Target to Walmart. Walmart rarely has what I need and has that picked over feel to everything on their shelves.