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Fry’s Electronics abruptly closes all stores nationwide

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Fry’s Electronics is shuttering its 31 stores nationwide, citing “changes in the retail industry” and “challenges” posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The San Jose, California-based retailer billed itself as a “one-stop-shopping environment for the high-tech professional” and announced the operational halt in a message on its website Wednesday morning, KRON reported.

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“The Company will implement the shut down through an orderly wind down process that it believes will be in the best interests of the Company, its creditors, and other stakeholders. The Company ceased regular operations and began the wind-down process on February 24, 2021. It is hoped that undertaking the wind-down through this orderly process will reduce costs, avoid additional liabilities, minimize the impact on our customers, vendors, landlords and associates, and maximize the value of the Company’s assets for its creditors and other stakeholders,” the company stated on its website.

Founded in 1985 by the Fry brothers – John, Randy and Dave – and Kathy Kolder, the company’s 31 stores range in size from 50,000 to 180,000 square feet and feature unique themes ranging from the “History of Silicon Valley” to the “1893 World’s Fair,” KRON reported.

There are six Fry’s locations in Northern California, eight in Southern California, eight in Texas, two in Arizona and one each in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, the TV station reported.

According to KTVK, the company is reaching out to customers during the “wind-down process” who have equipment under repair or consignment. Per the Fry’s website:

• If you have equipment currently being repaired, email customerservice@frys.com.

• If you have equipment needing repair under a Performance Service Contract, call 1-800-811-1745.

• If you need to pick up consignment inventory, email omnichannel@frys.com.

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