San Diego City Wire

Fry’s Electronics is closing its doors after nearly 40 years in business due to changes in the industry.

Times of San Diego reported that the California store well-known for its wide selection of electronics plans to close all of its stores after assessing that the retail industry has changed dramatically from COVID-19. The company said that it was a “difficult decision" but provided no consolation to its loyal customers. 

Two local Fry’s stores in the San Diego area – Stonecrest Boulevard in the Kearny Mesa area and South Bent Avenue in San Marcos – will be closing soon. 

Fry’s was founded in 1985 in Sunnyvale by a family that had previously operated grocery stores. Its founders were John Fry, Randy Fry and David Fry.

The announcement to close the stores came on Feb. 24.

During its days of operation, the electronics store was not immune from criticism and litigation. Customers complained that they struggled to receive refunds due to red tape that was in place in the stores’ processes and over the years a number of actors, including Bruce Willis and Denzel Washington, sued the company for using their images without permission to sell television sets. 

Fry’s will be remembered for the fancifully decorated stores, many of which had their own unique theme. 

According to their website, “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.”

Customers who are waiting on equipment to be repaired may contact customerservice@frys.com to organize receiving the equipment back and customers requiring repair through a Performance Service Contract can call 800-811-1745.

Finally, consignment vendors who need to pick up inventory at one of the company’s locations may email omnichannel@frys.com.