Yesterday at 5 PM, the doors of all PCClub locations closed, forever. Apparently there was no advanced notice to anyone, as indications on the ‘net show many employees were left out in the cold, with only a few hours notice, and no severance pay.
PCClub was the last of the non-Big Box stores here in California, and the only one that was primarily a reseller of PCs and parts. Sure, there is Fry’s, but they would just as soon sell you a television or washer and dryer. PCClub had become a fixture in a few states (how many I can’t quite remember, and the website is totally down, so that will be no help!), and seemed to be doing alright, if not tremendously well.
A little digging around shows a few stories of how some signs were there, but apparent only to those who shopped regularly. I suppose I should have been suspicious when an Apex case I bought was half price a couple of weeks ago. It is one time they had a fantastic sale on a great product – hmm, I should have been really suspicious!
When I hear about the razor-thin margins In computers, I have to laugh, as I build them, and know exactly how much profit there can be, with judicious parts selection, yet for some reason, PCClub is closed. Remember, that computer parts, like auto parts, are sold individually at a much higher profit margin than complete computers. The majority of PCClub sales were of individual parts to those wishing to build a custom PC.
To the employees, I am sorry. To the management, a better pricing and availability plan would have ensured greater profits.
Perhaps some other company will come in to take up the slack. If someone wants to bankroll me, I have some experience both in sales and management…I can see it now…Oracle PC – Where You’ll Have a Revelation!
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[tags] PCClub, ClubIT, store closings, multi-state locations, Fry’s, Best Buy [/tags]