With the constant 20% off coupons, and bare shelves, Fry's has to be circling the drain. The number of computer and monitors has been decreased so much, that one can only wonder why. Their creditors must not be extending them credit. Maybe all of their sales now are purely a cash grab.
I really wish I was wrong about this, but the writing has to be on the walls.
I was in the Illinois Fry's yesterday. I asked the clerk when they were going out of business. He also spewed the bs that they were working on new vendors. BS!!! During Christmas season, which is typically the busiest time of the year in retail. I went to MicroCenter and it was very busy. What is the over under on when Fry's declares? I would not be shocked if they close their doors December 26th. No way to return those gifts.
I was just at the San Marcos CA store today to looks for some network equipment and saw the empty shelves. The exit security guy said that they're transitioning to new vendors. Empty shelves during the holiday season? That is death.
I was in Seattle from Portland today and stopped by the Renton Fry's to say goodbye. There were some cars in the lot, but the Lowe's across the way clearly had more. The first thing that hit me when I walked in: QUIET! Deafening quiet. At first they didn't have any background music at all, but they might have gotten some softly playing in a feeble effort to improve the mood. As I walked in I went through the mostly open area where the appliances were; –well at least a few still are. Some guy walked up to an associate and asked "Hey are you guys going out of business?" The associate gave a quick "No" and not much else, kinda like an "I-don't-wanna-talk-abowdit" response.
At this point I couldn't resist, having walked the barren wasteland that is the PDX Fry's more than a few times. I went up to the associate and said "If management's telling you they're not going out of business, they're either lying to you or they're lying to themselves." The associate kinda shrugged, and I left him with "Every Fry's in the country is like this."
I spent twenty minutes or so walking around. I'd been there on opening day, so it was quite a bummer. There is some stock, but very little of the stuff one would actually. want. –But they do have an entire wall and a section in front by the registers all stocked with air conditioners... –in mid-December. The once bustling section where the motherboards and memory used to be... –nobody there. Nary an associate nor an actual component. They do actually have a better stock of keyboards and mice than PDX, and there's enough in there that it's still an option to browse for an impulse buy. If you're looking for something specific, you're better off somewhere else. There is a lot of open space and a lot of empty shelves. They might be OK if they were the size of a Best Buy, but they're trying to fill a space the size of a jumbo jet hangar.
Honestly, I really do hope the "consignment model" hooey they're fooling themselves with actually does work out, and that some day something resembling the old Fry's will be back. They can insist all they want that this is temporary, but they really shouldn't take their customers for fools. We all just saw our local Sears and K-Mart do the whole death-spiral thing. We're not id–ts. We know what it means when Black Friday comes and goes, it's mid-December, and the stores look the way they do. If Fry's survives this obvious mis-management and comes back as it was before. I won't be the only one in this forum doing cartwheels in the aisles.
But don't hold your breath. (If you pass out, you might miss a neat item on sale at Best Buy.)
Me and my friend went to the Las Vegas location last night. Parking lot was empty, and figured it was because they were closing soon. Walked in and the place was a waste land. I went there to look at graphic cards for my PC. Found someone and asked where there graphic cards were and they straight up told me "We don't have anymore, and probably won't get anymore". I was confused, then saw the rest of the store. Even the gaming section was bare. They had filled the PS4 game shelves with Destiny 2 (this game came out 2 years ago, and is free online now" for $14.
The store use to be filled with tons of computer stuff, and I built my PC from parts from this store in 2017...I think the writing is on the wall, Fry's is doomed.
Toys R us didnt close down simply because of amazon. It's a bit of a complicated situation to describe but it had to do with hedge fund management. Basically if a brand is deemed iconic, a hedge fund will buy out the company during bankruptcy and then bleed it dry for all its credit, making huge bank. It seems that Fry's was doing something similar considering all the vendor problems.
It's really important to get employees to understand this while they still have time to look for a job
Indianapolis Fry's reporting here.
We just returned from several years on the East Coast, and figured we'd drop by to see what Fry's had going on for the holidays. Holy c-ap.
Backing up, I spent most of my adult life in California, and have probably been in nearly every Fry's in that state, and even shopped at Fry's when it was a grocery store, to date myself. Fry's has not been without controversy, and my friends would agree that shopping at Fry's was an unpleasant chore made better because of how geeky it was. You could almost forget that you and every employee were all viewed as potential criminals at all times but expected to overlook, say, returns re-shrinkwrapped and re-sold as new. You brought the kids to marvel at the Tesla coil in Fremont and all the other stuff tuned to the various locations. You bought carefully, learned to compare the shrinkwrap consistency across packages, never buying the last package of anything, but still glad you could buy your gear. Good times. Stayed up all night in line to pick up World of Warcraft. There were hundreds of us.
Later, ending up on the East Coast for a while, we lost Fry's but gained Micro Center. It is everything one could wish Fry's would be. Micro Center is Fry's without the assumption of thievery, with helpful employees, and new merchandise at fair prices, and on the rare occasions where necessary, a returns process that didn't make you wish you'd just p-ss-d a couple hundred bucks out of the window instead.
SOMEhow they're doing just fine, without all of the China tariff and mean suppliers problems allegedly impacting Fry's.
Because yes, we were told that b—s— story this evening.
First clues,"Where are all the cars? Was there a power outage or fire alarm or something that had cleared out the store?" We shrugged our shoulders and went in. The place was deserted. The body cavity check station was empty, no surly greeter to hand you your cart and stare pointedly at your large purse. It was disorienting.
Other clues - the paper sign taped to the wall that the new cafe hours would be ending at 3pm - dated in July. Not really new any more. Another taped paper sign letting us know that "due to circumstances beyond [their] control", they would no longer be filling ink cartridges after Dec. 2nd. And a Fry's panel truck out front with unpainted and rusty stair treads and fuel tank. Basically a very un-maintained appearance.
And Hubby couldn't find the Indy car.
As others have reported of their Fry's locations, the cupboards are bare. There were some "clearance" items, when it appeared the entire store should be on clearance. For a brief moment I thought there was a going-out-of-business sale, but no, we were assured by someone who managed a straight face while reassuring us this was but a brief blip with the new supplier consignment arrangement and all would be normal next month. We were gobsmacked.
Walking the empty aisles, though, I had to laugh, "Ahhh HERE's the Fry's of yore - a Nintendo Switch game 'on sale' - marked _down_ to full suggested retail! Instant savings, $4.00! Limit ONE per household."
Sure Fry's. I'm all over that.
I bought a reusable bag as a souvenir, for I am dead certain this store will be gone 'ere Spring, if not much sooner. Along with the rest of the chain.
I'm still a little sad at the passing. It was an institution of sorts. I am also deeply angry at the continuing disrespect they're showing to their customers and especially the employees. Frankly, that overpowers the nostalgia. But I still got the bag.
Micro Center, would you consider Indianapolis? You're already in Chicago - we're not far. I know a place that'll be available soon.
I was at the Tempe AZ store the other day. They had no computer parts in stock, they were completely out of monitors and almost out of Tv's. It also was clear that they have they have merged several departments together (such as electronic entertainment with housewares, or computers with computer components). I ended buying a calender so I didn't leave empty handed (their calender section had calenders from 2018 by the way). They had 0 cash registers open, I had to flag someone down to turn on a register to check me out (this was in the middle of the day).
This is not Amazon's fault, other businesses like best buy have full parking lots and tons of customers. Believe it or not but a large portion of the population still likes to shop in person rather then online. It's Fry's business decisions that are it's downfall.
Amazon and online is k–ling stores like sears, toys r us and now frys. 1 of these days we all will miss driving to the store and shopping for stuff. It is to bad things like this has to happen
I have been going to fry’s for years now and I remember there would be so many items on shelves to chose from it was overwhelming. If the last year I have not seen any new items on the shelves and they are more and more empty ecru time I visit in the three stores I frequently visit. Today days before Christmas i stopped into the Anaheim store and literally 80 % of shelves are bare and to make it look kinda stocked they are hanging one item in the front of a hanger and spreading the hangers through the isle.. only one cashier no door checker or customer service at all .. seems grim and I don’t understand there business move to get new items .. I have heard this now for nonentity months and there are no new items... it’s sad to see them go. I just wish they would admit to it so I don’t waste my time stopping to see if they have brought in their new items .... waste of my time coming and sadly upsetting... bye frys we will miss you.. I won’t come In your store ever again... as far as I’m concerned they are closed just pinching at a dime here and there..
@YbiPZw8-4kpom of course most of their original supplier balked at the consignment idea. It took months if not over a year to get paid in the first place yet Fry's kept purchasing the same item over and over again, which meant that the item had sold. Some vendors sold them hundreds of different items x that by how many stores it would be a nightmare to keep track of. So why would that vendor want to have thousand of $ tied up with a company that has a proven history of not paying and not communicating with them. And don't forget about the fact that for the past year Frys has lied to the public their employees and most importantly their past customers about their supply issues.
The Plano,Texas store is empty also. They have to be going out of business.
I was at Fry's yesterday and saw all of the nearly empty shelves in their Austin store. A store employee denied they were closing, but said they have changed their relationship with suppliers. They have gone to a "consignment basis" of inventory, meaning that they do not pay suppliers for inventory until it sells in a Fry's store. Most of their original suppliers balked at this policy and refused to continue to do business with them. The employee went on to say that they're looking for new suppliers who will work with them on a consignment basis. But the fact that their store shelves have remained empty during the Christmas shopping season suggests that they're having trouble attracting new suppliers. Bad business decision on Fry's part!
Fry's in Duluth GA just dropped off the website. Not listed anymore
Fry’s Fountain Valley, CA almost completely empty and the few employees say the same thing that they are having vendor trouble. More likely they are like the local Sears and just selling off what’s left.
Was at Downers Grove, IL. location a few days ago for promo code $3 door stop alarm. Receipt checker Lady on the way claimed they are slowly getting stuff back in. I'll remain skeptical for now. Tv area was about a quarter full of what it can hold.
I remember going in to Fry's and watching people crowd around a big screen TV ... mesmerized by the ANIMUSIC videos they were constantly playing on it ... good old days ... and pleasant memories ...
Passed by the Duluth store a few days ago to find the doors closed with part of the sign saying "We appreciate your patronage over the past 35 years" and a reference to visit the store in Milton. Sad day after coming back from a vacation.
Having not been there for over a year, I visited the Wilsonville, Oregon Store today (Tues Dec 10 2019) (So. of Portland) for some Test Equip. & Leads; about 70% empty, The remaining inventory spread out like grass by a Farmer who had only one small bag of seed corn for 100 acres of field. No Test Equipment, nothing for Tech Projects. All PCs - GONE. Previous staff GONE ... Just a few clerks trying to look busy with nothing to do. From what I saw and have read ... DOOMED!
And then "True Legend" woke up...
@4ddrp that's funny
Sad. The San Marcs, CA store is 75% empty, as of 12/10/2019. I asked several employees and was told they'll be reopening next year (2020) and will be getting all new inventory ... that they were "changing vendors". I suspect that's the story the employees are being told to keep them on board. I remember all the happy times I've spent shopping there, but Amazon and Walmart have slowly put many of the brick and mortar stores out of business. Sad, but the internet has simply changed the way we shop ... nobody's fault ... just progress, I guess.
As i walked the isles I took pictures with my iPhone as i will truly miss my monthly trips to Fry's to see all the new electronics and check out what was on sale. A sad day that makes me just want to cry.
I went to the Las Vegas store today and it was empty.....hardly anything on shelves.
On the way out the door, I asked the checkout lady what was going on...her answer:
"we're having vendor issues." Translation: we're not paying our bills and no one will
ship us a pencil.
No one on the earth believes any of this b.s. I think more people believe Joe Biden didn't
know his son was making millions from the Ukraine than believe Frys will be here January 1.
I was recently at the Austin store and was nearly bare of any type of inventory–even the TV I came in for in a recent ad was long gone. An employee tried to argue tariffs were to blame, but considering how China devalued their currency making the tariffs cost nothing on our end,.. I believe after talking to a manager "off the record," it's more likely it is that Fry's was extremely behind on vendor credit.
The Fry’s in Burbank is a dead zone for sure. Our store is themed. It’s got a space ship that crashed into the front of the store, and crazy Martians, giant ants, cool little town sets ups ( kinda like how Millers Outpost used to be). My question is, are they going to auction that stuff off after they close? It sure would be a waste if they just demolished it.
I think it's no longer just 'how can they be open while selling no merchandise?' Few random interesting discussion threads on reddit about how they could be doing some finance shenanigans like extending themselves credit from themselves to pay themselves as both owners and operators of the corporation and properties, and the debt incurred is written off and then don't have to pay taxes on the negative income, etc, etc. I don't pretend to know the ins and outs (or even really the basics) of corporate tax structure and loopholes, but might be what we're seeing here.
Essentially starting to sound like the longer they stay open and the less money they make, the less taxes they have to pay when the whole thing finally implodes, all the while paying themselves out of their own debt. Whatever is going on, it seems to be way past when any normal store would be able to stay open without having employees or stuff to sell. The Renton store I know is getting close to a year since I noticed the stock was starting to dwindle, and probably 6-8 months since it's been just empty. Nobody could stay open through that unless there was some creative money shuffling going on.
Burbank has vast areas of empty space. Some of the display racks have the same item hanging from multiple pegs to pretend it's not empty. And it's 2 weeks before Christmas! That enormous piece of land is too valuable for Fry's to continue in its current state.
Same her in San Diego. Went in all shelvs 80 percent empty. Water leaking allover into buckets. They had no blueray movies. Even the candy wall was empty by the cashiers. No one in line. Drove by store black friday at 3:40 am no one camping outside.
I can't believe it.
Just left the woodland hills store, and not a hard drive, motherboard in stock. They did have 1 video card. In the last few weeks I have seen the same at the Burbank, Manhattan Beach and City of Industry stores (and industry is a crazy huge store).
In December's past they had been overflowing with goods, often prompting me to purchase things that I thought I would need later just because the prices were good. Now, there isn't a point in bothering to even look.
In December past, there would be constant lines, today, none. I can't see how they will survive without the holiday sales.
To those wondering about employees at Duluth and if they are able to work at Milton Frys.
There are hundreds of employees that, 6 months ago were full time but now are part time with anywhere from 20 hours to 4 hours, depending. The business looked into legal laws to see just how far they could lower everyones hours both full timers and part time. I.e. it doesnt matter if Milton takes them in the pie is the same size so everyone will be getting much, much less hours.
Summary: Are employees getting screwed over. Answer: Yes.
And honestly the real reason they are offering the transfer is most likely to avoid paying unemployment fees. The company showed its loyalty to its employees six months ago. Its nonexistent. 80% of employees are gone.
Anaheim, CA store is a wasteland. Was told by the employee that they're having "vendor issues". I asked what that means because I was in the store two months ago and haven't seen any improvement. He said it takes a while because "lawyers are involved." I'm guessing the low level employees know just as little as the pubic though.
From what I saw in person and what I've read on here, it seems like they're on borrowed time.
As an example: Fry's in Austin has sales on Lipton tea. They have been completely out of stock for 3 months in Austin Texas. Salesman told me it is due to the China tariff. Lipton Tea is made and bottled in the USA. It it clearly to me that Fry's is hanging on by their business fingernails and trying to make a go of it. A losing cause at that. I really loved to go to Fry's and see the products and did not paying 5 or 10% more than I could buy on the internet. I'm afraid Fry's did not keep up with the time, internet sales and it just a matter of time before I hear they are in court requesting bankruptcy protection. Be aware any warranties may be invalid if that occurs.
We are sorry you weremisinformedcompletely correct. All of ourDuluthemployees are spending the next 3 weeks helping get all of the store’s remaining inventory transferred to ourMiltonhigher-volume sales locations until there's nothing left to sell. After this is complete, everyDuluthemployee in the businesshas a job in our Milton location should they choose to staywill be laid off without notice, which we hope they all do!
Fixed their Fakebook post!
Was in Fry's Las Vegas today. No visible motherboards, video cards, or hard drives. Where many things like electronics should have been they filled the space with boxes of chairs. The Wall of CPU and RAM prices had more blank or empty spaces than not. It doesn't seem to be as empty as the San Jose store was leading up to black Friday but they are just better at hiding it.
Note: I did hear a rumor from an employee that they had already stiffed some vendors.
Fry's claims its Duluth employees are still working in the store, and all have jobs at the other location. Anybody verify? Their statement from FB when people asked about employees being left out to dry:
We are sorry you were misinformed. All of our Duluth employees are spending the next 3 weeks helping get all of the store’s inventory transferred to our Milton location. After this is complete, every Duluth employee has a job in our Milton location should they choose to stay, which we hope they all do!
Let's cut through the b—s—.... There are only so many vendors out there. There is very limited stock in the stores. The store in Diluth closed and is now history. Don't piss on my head and tell me it's raining. Fry's is closing albeit slowly. But the handwriting is on the wall. Let's hope that the employees are able to find better jobs elsewhere and can collect unemployment until they do. It's no crime to go out of business, but it's a sin to lie to the employees and public about it.
Ditto City of Industry, CA.
Same disrespect for customers; same untrue explanation, "Fry's is trying to locate new vendors."
I just recently visited the Downers Grove, IL store 12/2/2019, which I had not been there in over a year. The parking lot empty(about a dozen cars). I assumed the store hours changed. Nope, so I continued to walk in to a baron store. I wanted a new hard drive and they only had several in stock. I did purchase a $20 pair of Bluetooth head phones. My girlfriend found 14 bottles of New York seltzer water which she bought all of them. I asked the cashier and he said they were switching vendors. In the end he mentioned that his hours and other coworker hours have been cut back.
I was just at SJ Fry's today (12-5-2019)...shelves were at least 60% empty. The HDTV section was around 80% empty. I haven't been to Fry's in about 6 months as they haven't had anything on sale since then that I wanted to buy. Years prior, I would often visited Fry's 2-3 times per week to pick up sales stuffs. Long gone were the BF Day where I had to wake up at 5am to wait in long lines of at least 500 people around their building...that was maybe 5-7 yrs ago at most. I think Fry's will just closed it's door unannounced when the time comes.
The last Sears around SJ area is also in liquidation. I was joking with my mom 2 weeks ago saying how I don't think Sears will make it past March of next year. Then I visited the mall this week and found out it's liquidating up to 50% off already!!!
SOON WE WILL ALL SIT AT HOME AS OUR LIVES TURN.........
@YbiPZw8-4bcsb from what I can see their heat shrink suppliers haven't shipped them any stock for over 8 months. They probably still have the displays in the hopes that their ex-supplier will go the consignment route which doesn't seem likely. Been getting my heatshrink straight from their old supplier at www.contextengineering.com.
I feel very lucky. A bought a Sony TV 2 years ago on Black Friday with an extended warranty for 4 years. about 2 weeks ago my TV screen had A-line in it I called them they set out a repairman. it can't be fixed he said. I contacted Frys and they brought out a new television, a Samsung in a Box to replace it. I guess I hadn't been in the Arlington Texassrore in a while. I had a go get some parts did hang it from the wall as I walked in I was just floored!! it was empty nothing there just empry shelves. I feel very lucky I got my new TV.