Harvey Electronics Files for Bankruptcy
I must admit I was saddened by the news that regional consumer electronics retailer Harvey Electronics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I grew up in the northeast region that was Harvey Electronics' turf (New York and New Jersey), and always appreciated being able to shop there for the gear that was a cut above what you'd find at mass-market retailers (like the now-defunct The Wiz and Crazy Eddie). I find it ironic that in the past four years, the company has seen declining sales and losses. During that same period, some would argue has seen a boom in consumer audio-visual purchases.
That said, I have to wonder if Harvey is a victim of the consumer electronics industry becoming more mass-market than ever before. Just as a dedicated computer retailer like CompUSA had to throw in the towel, I'm thinking about whether a specialty shop like Harvey--which wasn't quite the same as true custom installer, but offered a fair amount of high-end equipment nonetheless--is finding it harder to attract consumers in an era defined by Internet sales and guidance by Best Buy Blue Shirts.
What say you? When it comes time to buy your electronics gear, what kind of store do you gravitate towards?
PC World's Marketplace
PC World's Free Whitepapers
tech news tech blogs community & forums laptop prices software reviews downloads
I understand you feelings about Harvey Electronics. In the 90's, before I retired, CompUSA was the best source for computer hardware & business software. They (in NC) could always answer technical questions. I have had very negative results at 2 different Best Buy stores on getting any (knowledgeable) assistance. They have very little selection of business software; mostly entertainment categories.
Although I've found some good deals with CompUSA in the past, they actually priced themselves out of the market. I purchased a "great" Sony DVD player for my new SONY LCD TV but gawd, they wanted $100 for DMI cable. I ran across the street and bought the same cable from Walmart for $24. I purchased my first MAC from CompUSA (no deals or specials) but the instore MAC rep provide under the table deals and the service (no extended warrentee) was still free and good. In short, it's good to see them go back south where they belong.