DISQUS

Duncan Riley · 3 months ago

I don't think anyone goes to Fry's for the service, just the price and the sheer quantity of what's available. Here you on the having bags checked on the way out business though: that's absurd given they do it when you've already been through the checkout area anyway and purchased stuff.

Louis Gray · 3 months ago

I don't believe anyone goes to Fry's for the service either. If it were possible, I'd go in and out of the store, not talking to anyone. But their maze and bad stocking choices make talking to folks a practical necessity. On leaving the store, I do what I can to "draft" on someone else, so when they get checked, I just leave. Haven't been stopped once.

zachlandes · 3 months ago

I'm coming to Fry's defense here! 1) They are cheap 2) Their dazzling selection makes this place absolute geek heaven 3) One can assume that the receipt check upon exit reduces the occurrence of shoplifting. Note that the much-heralded Costco does the *exact* same thing. Best Buy stores, which are smaller, instead rely on catching perpetrators in the act with video surveillance, though it's likely that the security guard at the camera at Best Buy is just looking down some girl's shirt. 4) Big deal they didn't have a big sign announcing Snow Leopard! 5) A company that focuses on customer service while charging higher prices is not necessarily morally superior - they are just fulfilling a different market niche. and 6) Apple tries to upsell warranties, too, don't kid yourself!

Louis Gray · 3 months ago

Zach, my goal has been to similarly keep our home a Costco free home. I'm not a fan of the warehouse. Maybe if we get surprised with another set of multiples someday, we will be forced into buying bulk for necessity, but not yet.

zachlandes · 3 months ago

!!! Louis, while I was in a way playing Devils Advocate about Fry's (the service is crummy, but I still like the place for its selection), your comment about Costco - unfathomable! What is not to like about great prices, friendly service (yes, its actually friendly!), and the best return policies/warranty extensions of any store I have EVER been in. I've heard tell of friends returning items they didn't even purchase there, sans receipt! Costco restores my faith in humanity.

Jesse Stay · 3 months ago

I admit I have never, ever, been to a Fry's. Speaking of Frys, we're finally getting an In N' Out near our closest Best Buy. I'm pretty excited about that.

Kevin Fox · 3 months ago

I just went to Fry's today. Fry's is full of good and bad things, but what struck me as I left the store (as it strikes me every time I leave the Sunnyvale store) is that they have a parking space right in front reserved specifically for the police. Join that with the mandatory-but-not-mandatory bag/receipt checks upon leaving and it just feels like a place that engenders distrust in the community.

Louis Gray · 3 months ago

I hear you on the specific parking spots for police. Crazy.

On the plus side, they have parking for expectant mothers - not that it helps us in any way right now. And they used to have spots for electric vehicles, if I remember. So they're definitely "thinking different".

Chris Welle · 3 months ago

Never go to Frys for anything other then cheap price. I go before hand having done my research for the parts that I need. Also software from Fry's is always horribly stocked and is a crap shoot if you go for something that is not main stream. I try my damnest to never ask for help. The employees are paid as little as possible and only given enough training as to how to not look like a fool more then they usually are. I also refuse to stop for them at the exit. If they believe I was a shoplifter they can stop me outside the store and call the police as all stores are required to do. Basiclly the store is only useful in the way of a Pick Your Part store is. You can probably find what you want at a cheap price, but expect to do the research, and heavy lifting.

Michael Fidler · 3 months ago

The typo is very funny, but I visited an Apple store the day of the launch and there were no banner's or signs which I could see either. Fry's is the next best alternative to shopping online for hard to find items. I know they don't have many stores, so I feel like I'm fortunate to live near one.

Louis Gray · 3 months ago

Michael, I am with you 100%. Hence the "Silicon Valley Legend With Legendary Flaws". We'll keep going, but they keep being broken. After all... it's not a bad thing if I can get Mac OS X 15.6 (er... 10.6) in one aisle and walk a few aisles over to get Nintendo Wii Sports Resort.

Robert Konigsberg · 3 months ago

The first time I went to Fry's I was visiting my friend in Palo Alto; I nearly died from the awesome selection. Now it just seems like a chaotic mess. But I still sure do miss Fry's.