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Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

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Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#31

Post by ericmay »

redwall_hp wrote: post #21
caycep wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

the American Akihabara, land of the khaki otakus

Yodobashi Camera is on my list of places I'd have to visit on a future Japan trip. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yodobashi_Camera

I’ve been to the one in Hiroshima. The volume and variety of products is jaw-dropping and fun. Though I was disappointed, although admittedly wasn’t looking to hard, to see the prices were comparable to American prices for the same products - at least for new lenses.

It was also great that it was basically attached to the rail line. Such a better development pattern for business and moving people than airlines and airports.

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#32

Post by mastazi »

peteforde wrote: post #26

Can someone offer an explanation of why this is popular? I don't mean this in a crass way, I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car. For me, big box stores just mean markups + staff that know less than most tech reviewers on YouTube. All in an introvert's nightmare. What's the upside?

Ironically the reason why it's popular is that it's got many items that otherwise you can only get online, which is also the reason why you find it useless since you prefer the online experience.

Speaking as an Australian, to me it would be a dream to be able to drive to a place like that and getting those things in store as opposed to ordering online then waiting days or sometimes weeks for delivery.

There is also the factor of being able to see the item in person, and perhaps hold it in your hands, might not be very relevant for something like RAM sticks, but it certainly is for something like a gaming controller for example.

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#33

Post by Daub »

peteforde wrote: post #26

Can someone offer an explanation of why this is popular? I don't mean this in a crass way, I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car. For me, big box stores just mean markups + staff that know less than most tech reviewers on YouTube. All in an introvert's nightmare. What's the upside?

Online shopping of fashion items can never replace the experience of physical shopping, especially with friends. Geeks are no different... shopping can be a delightful experience if you are up for it. Part of which might be the thrill of discovering things you are not searching for.

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#34

Post by brandon272 »

peteforde wrote: post #26

Can someone offer an explanation of why this is popular? I don't mean this in a crass way, I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car. For me, big box stores just mean markups + staff that know less than most tech reviewers on YouTube. All in an introvert's nightmare. What's the upside?

> I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car.

"Why go to a fine restaurant when you can just stick something in the microwave? Why go to the park and fly a kite when you can just pop a pill?" - Kramer, Seinfeld

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#35

Post by ostensible »

peteforde wrote: post #26

Can someone offer an explanation of why this is popular? I don't mean this in a crass way, I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car. For me, big box stores just mean markups + staff that know less than most tech reviewers on YouTube. All in an introvert's nightmare. What's the upside?

I agree. Microcenter seems to sell a lot of flashy shiny garbage and not enough or at all of what matters — like cables or adapters.

It’s more a best buy than fry’s electronics.

We had a recently opened one here in the Bay Area — I went there once, having heard good things. Never again. It’s a bullshit emporium.

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#38

Post by pureagave »

dylan604 wrote: post #5
coffee-- wrote: post #2

Step in and replace the loss of our Frys Electronics stores[0], yay! [0] https://www.kjzz.org/business/2025-08-27/fans-of-phoenix-fry...

The death of Frys was one of those that took so much longer than it should. The last time I went into a Frys was a fluke as I had thought it was already out of business. Walking around inside was surreal as the inventory was sad with the vast majority of shelves empty. I remember taking pics at the time of just how much a shadow itself it really was. I just couldn't fathom why someone had allowed the stores to stay o…

I went to the Renton, WA one during the death days. It was so odd. Mostly empty shelves and what few products were there had the famous Fry's return labels on them. I'm assuming Amazon killed them.

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#39

Post by throwanem »

ostensible wrote: post #35
peteforde wrote: post #26

Can someone offer an explanation of why this is popular? I don't mean this in a crass way, I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car. For me, big box stores just mean markups + staff that know less than most tech reviewers on YouTube. All in an introvert's nightmare. What's the upside?

I agree. Microcenter seems to sell a lot of flashy shiny garbage and not enough or at all of what matters — like cables or adapters. It’s more a best buy than fry’s electronics. We had a recently opened one here in the Bay Area — I went there once, having heard good things. Never again. It’s a bullshit emporium.

It's the region, or maybe just the GM. The Parkville and Rockville stores aren't like that at all.

Re: Photos: New Phoenix Microcenter is a 'tech-heaven' for geeks

#40

Post by oppegard »

peteforde wrote: post #26

Can someone offer an explanation of why this is popular? I don't mean this in a crass way, I'm actually genuinely baffled to see geeks lining up for a Costco-like experience to get stuff that you can easily get online without needing to get into a car. For me, big box stores just mean markups + staff that know less than most tech reviewers on YouTube. All in an introvert's nightmare. What's the upside?

I bought a 3D printer from my Denver Microcenter a few weeks ago. It's not available on Amazon, and only ships from China (it's a BambuLab H2D). It gives peace of mind that if something goes wrong I can just return it locally rather than deal with shipping a 50 pound printer back to China. Same goes for a MinisForum NAS I bought a few months ago. Plus, whenever I need a one-off USB cable, thumb drive, or printer filament, it's a 15 minute drive.

Also: they're always packed on the weekends. There is definitely demand for a brick and mortar store that focuses on tech/geek hobbies.

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