One of the benefits of working in the engineering department, surrounded by fellow geeks, is that there’s almost always someone up for some geeky adventures. My co-worker Jamie needed a new cell phone case, which of course turned into a lunch-time expedition to Circuit City by half of the brake engineering department. We piled into his RX-8 (itself an adventure) and went to check out the liquidation sale by the former electronics giant.
Apparently, Circuit City is already out of business, and sold off their stock to a liquidation firm. We were greeted at the entrance by signs promising 30% off. However, once inside we noted that the prices seemed a little…high. We noted a few items in particular, and then went across the street to Best Buy, who is not liquidating anything. Sure enough, the 720p Panasonic 42″ TV that was “marked down” to $900 was $850 at Best Buy. Jamie just checked the intrawebs and the same model is available for $700, shipped right to your door. Similarly, a $349 pair of marked-down speakers at CC were $199 at Best Buy.
Its pretty obvious that the liquidators are marking down from MSRP, which nothing sells for anymore. Furthermore, I’m sure they’re taking advantage of the ignorant consumer who thinks “Liquidation Sale” is automatically synonymous with “Bargain”. One would think with the internet these days people would be saavier shoppers.
I miss MSRP. Remember when the “winner” on Wheel of Fortune had to pick items from the showcase, which were all tagged with their suggested retail price? I always felt bad for those poor bastards — the taxes alone on the winnings must have been more than all that crap was worth.
I heard about circuit city going out of business, but not here in Buffalo. They are still live and kicken. How is Buffalo able to suport so many electronics stores. It doesn’t make sence. I need to find these money trees, I just need some clippings
@adam:
They’ll close soon. Maybe the word just hasn’t gotten to Buffalo yet. You all do tend to be a bit behind the times. Lots of Foreign aid going to Buffalo.
@Pitt
It’s because we’re so close to Canada. Those awful Bill Cosby sweaters from the 1980s just started showing up in our stores.
Speaking of Canadian proximity, I watched _Canadian Bacon_ on Comedy Central the other night. I have to imagine that movie is not nearly as funny to someone who doesn’t encounter Canadian culture. You’d miss half the jokes, at least.
(How’s _that_ for a threadjack?)
Oh, and the Circuit City stores here are closing. And the sales suck.
I need to get oot and aboot more often. Sorry for the misinformation A.
@matt:
Canadian Bacon rocks.
You can threadjack me anytime you want.