17 Retro Tech Stores That Have Disappeared
These 17 retro tech stores were once popular shopping destinations but have now shut down or disappeared.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
For years, these tech stores shaped how people discovered and bought electronics. They offered personal service, hands-on demos, and stocked items that were often hard to find elsewhere. Most of them closed due to rising competition from online retailers, poor management, or changes in how people shop.
1. RadioShack
Laura Northrup on Wikimedia Commons
RadioShack operated for nearly 100 years and was known for selling small electronics, batteries, and tools for DIY tech projects. At its peak, it had over 7,000 stores globally. As consumer habits shifted to online shopping and smartphones replaced many of their products, sales declined. The company filed for bankruptcy multiple times, closing most of its stores by 2017.
2. Circuit City
Terry Ross on Wikimedia Commons
Circuit City was one of the largest electronics retailers in the United States during the 1990s. It sold TVs, computers, cameras, and home audio equipment. The company lost ground to competitors like Best Buy due to pricing issues and a weak online strategy. All physical stores were closed by early 2009 after filing for bankruptcy.
3. CompUSA
Terry Ross on Wikimedia Commons
CompUSA was a national chain that specialized in computer products and accessories. It grew rapidly in the 1990s, offering a wide range of hardware, software, and tech support. The company struggled with falling profits and stiff competition from online sellers. By 2008, most stores were closed or converted after being acquired by Systemax.
4. Fry’s Electronics
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Fry’s Electronics was known for its large-format stores and wide inventory of consumer electronics and components. It served both casual shoppers and tech professionals. In its final years, stores had trouble keeping items in stock and experienced low customer turnout. Fry’s closed all remaining stores in February 2021 and ended operations permanently.
5. Crazy Eddie
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
Crazy Eddie was an electronics chain based in the northeastern United States, best known for aggressive discounting and television advertising. It expanded quickly but became involved in financial fraud. The company overstated earnings and inventory levels to attract investors. After federal investigations, it went bankrupt and closed by the early 1990s.
6. Sharper Image
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The Sharper Image sold high-end gadgets, personal care items, and tech gifts. It gained attention in the 1980s and 1990s for showcasing unique and futuristic products. However, many items were overpriced and had limited practical use, which affected long-term sales. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2008, closing its stores, although the brand continues online under different ownership.
7. Suncoast Motion Picture Company
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Suncoast was a retail chain that sold movies on VHS and DVD, along with collectibles and posters. It was often located in malls and catered to film fans. As streaming and digital downloads replaced physical media, foot traffic and sales declined. Most stores were closed by the early 2010s, with only a few remaining under the parent company, FYE.
8. Micro Center (select locations)
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Micro Center still operates, but several smaller or less profitable stores have been shut down. These closures were due to market consolidation and local competition. Remaining stores continue to focus on computers, parts, and in-person service. While not fully gone, the brand’s physical presence has been reduced over time.
9. Babbage’s
Daniel Case on Wikimedia Commons
Babbage’s was a retail chain focused on computer and console video games. It began in the 1980s and became popular with gamers looking for physical copies and accessories. The brand merged with Software Etc. and eventually became part of GameStop. The Babbage’s name was phased out during this consolidation.
10. Computer City
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Computer City was a computer superstore chain owned by Tandy Corporation, the same parent company as RadioShack. It offered a broad range of computer products and services in large retail spaces. In 1998, CompUSA acquired the brand and closed or converted most locations. It no longer exists as a separate entity.
11. PeachMac
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PeachMac was an Apple-focused retail chain operating in the southeastern United States. It provided Apple products, training services, and repairs. As Apple expanded its own official retail stores, PeachMac lost market share. Most locations were either closed or rebranded by 2017.
12. Media Play
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Media Play combined books, music, movies, and electronics in one store. It was part of the Musicland Group and aimed to be a full media destination. The concept was expensive to maintain and did not adapt well to changing consumer preferences. The chain was shut down completely in 2006.
13. Future Shop
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Future Shop was a Canadian electronics retailer that offered appliances, computers, and entertainment products. It was purchased by Best Buy in 2001. Best Buy eventually decided to close Future Shop locations or convert them into Best Buy stores. The brand was officially discontinued in 2015.
14. Incredible Universe
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Incredible Universe was an electronics megastore created by Tandy Corporation in the 1990s. Stores were massive and offered live demos, performances, and a wide product selection. Operating costs were high, and the concept failed to generate sustainable profit. All locations were closed by 1997.
15. The Wiz (Nobody Beats the Wiz)
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The Wiz was an electronics and music store chain based in New York and the surrounding states. It became popular for home entertainment products and its advertising slogan. Financial troubles and rising competition led to bankruptcy in 2003. The stores were shut down after the company failed to recover.
16. Electronics Boutique (EB Games US)
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Electronics Boutique, later rebranded as EB Games, was a well-known chain for video games and accessories. GameStop acquired the company in 2005 and merged many of its U.S. locations. After the merger, the EB Games name was retired in the United States. It still exists under the same brand in other countries like Canada and Australia.
17. Tower Records (Electronics Section)
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Tower Records was a global music retail chain that also sold portable music players, headphones, and accessories. Its electronics section complemented its focus on physical music. As digital music services became dominant, overall sales dropped. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2006 and shut down all U.S. stores.