Micro Center mimics Apple Store Features for Survival

When Macs Only!'s global headquarters was located in Vienna, VA, we were near a terrific warehouse-style computer store called Micro Center, a chain based in Ohio. It had a Mac department that was far better than the competing CompUSA stores at their best, had very knowledgable sales people and was generally a better computer store in our opinion. San Diego has Frys and CompUSAs but no Micro Centers and soon no CompUSAs as part of the many nationwide closings.

Micro Center is bucking CompUSA's closing trend by opening new stores like its 20th in Patterson, New Jersey, as reported by News.com. How? Well, at least in part by copying the Apple Store formula with a "Knowledge Bar", "Knowledge Theater" and knowledgable sales people. Consumer Reports rated Micro Center right behind the Apple Stores in consumer satisfaction. [Dana Baggett & Bill Fox]