I've patronised the Atlanta (Gwinnett) store since the mid-2000s. It was a very important base for hardware of all kind, to the degree that we would regularly d

I've patronised the Atlanta (Gwinnett) store since the mid-2000s. It was a very important base for hardware of all kind, to the degree that we would regularly drive from Athens, GA (60 mi E) to Fry's for parts. The last few years, it's been a gradual deterioration toward exactly the kind of empty-shelf phenomenon described in the article. By now, much of the stock seems to be gone, what remains--which is definitely not the most updated and trendiest items--is disorganised and poorly attended-to, and the place has almost no staff. One can hear a pin drop in there most days. It's eerily still, bizarrely empty yet formally open, like the setting of a postapocalyptic video game. Last time I walked in there was a few months ago, and I assumed they were just trying to clear out what remains of inventory before closing the store. It has been very unclear to me under what economic principle it remains open, given that there is little merchandise, almost no staff, and no customers.