Software buyers forsake the mall for megastores
Article Abstract:
Small, mall-based, software and video-game stores are losing their markets to mass-merchandise stores that are able to offer their products at lower prices. NeoStar Retail Group, the largest mall-based videogame retailer in the US, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Egghead Inc, a software vendor that most frequently operates in standalone stores, is experiencing similar declines in sales. Customers are looking for lower prices and the wider selection offered by megastores, such as CompUSA, Circuit City and Best Buy Co. Part of the problem is that the demographics show the typical software buyer to be a male in his mid-30s, while the typical mall shopper is a woman in her late 30s. The male is more apt to drive to a standalone store to make a specific purchase, rather than merely picking up a software application while shopping in a mall. The major electronics retailers are also more apt to offer large discounts on their products in order to attract customers to their stores.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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The college connection; at Northern University, almost all the students are on-line. What a difference it can make
Article Abstract:
Northwestern Univ is one of the most wired schools in the country, equipped with public and departmental computer labs, and numerous personal computers. Yahoo! estimates that 90% of Northwestern's students own a PC and 60% of college coursed have on-line study aids and Web pages, placing Northwestern second only to Massachusetts Institute of Technology in ranking the most wired university in the US. Supporters of on-line computing at the school claim it improves communications between the professors and students as well as improving access to information. Critics wonder if only makes education more entertaining. Many on the faculty believe that learning is improved by the multimedia experience offered by computers, as it involves more senses than just reading does. Every dorm room is wired with computer jacks to allow students to connect to the campus data network, NUNet, and the Internet.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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