Fry’s Electronics abruptly shuttered all of its stores on Wednesday, affecting 31 sites in nine states.
The San Jose-based electronics retailer, known for its cavernous space and whimsical decor, had Valley locations in Burbank and Woodland Hills. Eight sites dotted the SoCal region. Callers to the two Valley sites were greeted with automated answers saying the stores were closed.
Fry’s website said the company made the hard decision to close shop as a changing retail industry and challenges posed by the pandemic packed a one-two punch.
The chain was born in the 1980s electronics boom and served tech enthusiasts for 36 years. Online competition along with competitors such as Amazon and Best Buy marked the beginning of the end for Fry’s, according to various reports.