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Fry's is undergoing the same warehousification as the rest of brick and mortar retail. Going to an electronics store used to be an event: new models, attractive
by dexwiz 7y ago
Fry's is undergoing the same warehousification as the rest of brick and mortar retail. Going to an electronics store used to be an event: new models, attractive displays, knowledgable staff, clean stores, bright lights. I suspect MBA management has squeezed every margin not directly connected to profit. This leaves the inventory, but removes any expense wasted on the experience of the store. New models? No, just the ones that sell the most. Knowledgable staff? No, only those willing to settle for essentially minimal wage. Clean stores? No, we cut the staff and only sweep as needed. Bright lights? No, turn off every other bank to be "green" (and save on electricity.) So the stores have become a step above warehouses.
When the most attractive feature of a store is in-store pickup, it is no longer an event to go to a store, but a logistical footnote in your day. Items are no longer sold by staff, environment, and experience, but instead as a commodity. While many people here may say they want to shop undisturbed, a large portion of purchases, especially high dollar ones, are made with the help of an eager sales person who is encouraging you to spend money.
- onlyrealcuzzo 7y agoMBA's aren't to blame for everything. Margins used to be skyhigh on electronics. Things were new and hot and changing rapidly. People didn't know a whole lot about what they were buying, they needed educated. And it required educated staff, and the margins were high enough to afford them. Electronics are mostly a commodity now. There's less of a difference now between a TV store and a shoe store.
- lotsofpulp 7y agoYes. What more selection in TV do you need than Costco? They’re all made by LG or Samsung anyway with some diff software, at the price levels most people can afford.