By Barry Markowitz, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Dr. Doug Johnson of Kaimuki is assisted by Computer City
associate Nancy Tapia, while he carts off the very last computer
system sold at Computer City's Victoria Ward store. The store
is now closed, making way for Pier 1 Imports.
Computer City closes Oahu
By Peter Wagner
stores while awaiting deal
Star-BulletinComputer City was closed today at both its Waikele and Kakaako locations pending a $275 million acquisition by rival computer company CompUSA Inc.
The deal, which would combine the two biggest personal computer retailers in the United State, was to be completed today.
Meanwhile, officials at both companies are saying little about plans for their stores in Hawaii.
A spokesman at Computer City would only say the Waikele and Kakaako stores are closed for "transitional inventory" and that plans would be announced after the acquisition is signed.
The 100-store Computer City, owned by Tandy Corp., in June announced plans for a 30,000 square-foot "SuperCenter" across the street from its current location on Kamakee Street in Kakaako. The store was to compete with CompUSA's recently opened "Superstore" on nearby South Street.
Officials have not disclosed plans for the uncompleted Computer City project on Kamakee Street.
The new store had been hailed by Victoria Ward Ltd. executives as a key part of plans to develop a major retail mall in the area.
Meanwhile, Pier 1 Imports is to open a 15,000-square-foot store at the Computer City location in Kakaako by Christmas.
