CompUSA set to reopen McAllen store

McALLEN - Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, CompUSA's Rio Grande Valley location is back three months after the company closed all its stores and filed for bankruptcy.

The big-box retailer now offers a new selection for the tech-oriented user. It officially reopened a few weeks ago, but the staff has been restocking the store in anticipation of a grand opening event this Friday.

"The (McAllen) market seemed very attractive, with a good combination of the demographics of the market in South Texas and the shoppers from across the border," said Richard Wallet, executive vice president of CompUSA.

The McAllen store, which is located on Expressway 83 just west of La Plaza Mall, closed in January when its parent company went out of business and sold all its assets. But in February, Florida-based technology retailer Systemax purchased 14 of the defunct stores, including the lucrative border location.

The store tried to keep as many of the original employees as possible, Wallet said.

But CompUSA may only be the same in name and location. The stores will resemble the selection and focus of TigerDirect stores, Systemax' Florida-based retaier. TigerDirect stores will be rebranded to CompUSA.

The "all-new" CompUSA will feature more computer parts and accessories for hardcore computer users, such as hard drives and memory. It will also have a smaller software selection and a smaller video game selection.

"There are no other stores that you can find with 20 different mother boards or 15 power supplies," Wallet said.

But the store does have a big selection of computers in various price ranges. Computers from companies such as HP, Levano and Toshiba are all on display. The stores selection of discount and refurbished desktops is larger than most stores. The store has several computers under $300.

The store is keeping its old service department, which handles computer repairs on desktops, laptops and Apple computers.

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Kyle Arnold covers business, the economy and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4410.