History of Fry's Electronics in Timeline

Fry's Electronics was a prominent American big-box retail chain headquartered in San Jose, California, within the tech hub of Silicon Valley. The store offered a wide range of products, including software, consumer electronics, household appliances, cosmetics, tools, toys, accessories, magazines, technical books, snack foods, electronic components, and computer hardware. Additionally, Fry's provided in-store services such as computer repair and custom computer building, catering to both tech enthusiasts and general consumers. Known for its expansive inventory and themed store designs, Fry's Electronics was a staple in the electronics retail industry until its decline.

1957: 1957 Chevys and Buicks as Dining Tables

The Fry's Electronics Burbank store, opened in 1995, featured dining tables made from the bodies of 1957 Chevys and Buicks, adding to the store's unique science-fiction theme.

1972: Sale of Fry's Supermarkets

In 1972, Charles Fry sold Fry's Supermarkets to Dillons for US$14 million. This sale provided the capital for his sons to eventually start Fry's Electronics.

May 17, 1985: Opening of the first Fry's Electronics store

On May 17, 1985, the first Fry's Electronics store was opened by John, Randy, and David Fry, along with Kathryn Kolder, at a 20,000 sq ft site in Sunnyvale, California. This marked the beginning of Fry's Electronics as a retailer.

1992: Launch of Incredible Universe stores

In 1992, Tandy Corporation launched the Incredible Universe chain, which later became a competitor to Fry's Electronics in terms of product selection and store themes.

1995: Opening of Burbank Store with Science-Fiction Theme

In 1995, Fry's Electronics opened a store in Burbank, California, featuring a science-fiction theme inspired by 1950s and 1970s movies. The store included statues of famous characters and unique decor, such as giant ants and flying saucers.

1996: Fry's acquisition of Incredible Universe

In 1996, Fry's Electronics acquired the Incredible Universe chain, converting the stores into Fry's locations and expanding their retail footprint.

1997: Customer service issues reported by Forbes

In 1997, Forbes reported on customer service issues at Fry's Electronics, highlighting unorthodox business practices and policies that hindered refunds, known as 'hoops and hurdles'.

1997: Trademark Infringement Lawsuit Against David Burlini

In 1997, Fry's Electronics filed a lawsuit against David Burlini over the use of the domain name frys.com, alleging trademark infringement. The lawsuit concluded with Fry's prevailing in a default judgment.

1998: Customer dissatisfaction noted in media

In 1998, USA Today and Wired highlighted customer dissatisfaction with Fry's Electronics, particularly focusing on poor customer service experiences.

2000: Introduction of Low-Cost Internet Access

In 2000, Fry's Electronics ventured into offering low-cost Internet access using their initial web address, Frys.com. This move marked the company's early steps into establishing an online presence.

November 2001: Acquisition of Cyberian Outpost for Online Sales

In November 2001, Fry's Electronics purchased the e-commerce site Cyberian Outpost to expand its online presence. Despite this acquisition, the company initially used the Outpost.com URL, which confused customers who did not associate it with the Fry's brand.

2001: Legal Threat Against Garret Maki

In 2001, Fry's Electronics threatened legal action against Garret Maki for posting scanned copies of the company's print ads on the Web using the domain frysad.com, demonstrating its aggressive stance on trademark and domain name protection.

2003: Celebrity lawsuits against Fry's

In 2003, celebrities Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Fry's Electronics for $10 million each, claiming unauthorized use of their images in advertisements.

2005: Sports Basement occupies former Fry's location

In 2005, the second Sunnyvale Fry's Electronics store location became a Sports Basement store, retaining some of the original Fry's decor, such as the unique door handles.

October 2006: Grand Reopening of Frys.com

In October 2006, Fry's Electronics held a grand reopening of its online store, Frys.com, to align with its retail outlets. The move aimed to strengthen the brand's identity by using a consistent name across both online and physical stores.

2007: Domain Dispute Loss Against Prophet Partners Inc.

In 2007, Fry's Electronics lost a domain name dispute to Prophet Partners Inc., an online advertising company. The arbitrator ruled against Fry's request to transfer the Frys.us domain, stating the company had no more right to the 'Fry's' mark than other entities.

2007: Black Friday controversy at Renton location

On Black Friday 2007, the Renton, Washington Fry's location faced criticism when employees charged customers to cut in line. After media attention, those who paid were refunded.

2008: Kickback scheme involving Fry's VP

In 2008, Ausaf Umar Siddiqui, Fry's VP of merchandising and operations, was charged in a kickback scheme with vendors, designed to defraud the company and fuel his gambling habit.

2008: FCC fines Fry's over labeling violation

In 2008, Fry's Electronics was fined $384,000 by the FCC for failing to label analog televisions properly, reflecting regulatory challenges for the company.

2009: Sports Basement retains Fry's door handles

Sometime between 2009 and 2013, Sports Basement, which occupied the former Fry's location, still featured Fry's distinctive door handles, maintaining a piece of Fry's legacy.

September 2012: Fry's settles sexual harassment lawsuit

In September 2012, Fry's Electronics settled a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit for $2.3 million, agreeing to implement preventive measures after allegations of misconduct by a manager.

2013: Fry's moves to final Sunnyvale location

By 2013, Fry's Electronics had moved to its final Sunnyvale location at 1077 E Arques Ave, continuing its presence in the area.

August 2014: Fry's operates 34 stores across the U.S.

By August 2014, Fry's Electronics operated 34 stores in nine U.S. states, showcasing its significant presence in the electronics retail market.

2017: Controversial grow light display in Texas

In 2017, a Fry's Electronics store in Webster, Texas, faced community backlash for using fake marijuana plants in a display for indoor grow lights, despite marijuana's illegal status in the state.

August 2019: Closure of Palo Alto location announced

In August 2019, Fry's Electronics announced the closure of its oldest existing location in Palo Alto by January 2020, as the lease was not renewed.

September 10, 2019: Speculation of Fry's impending closure

On September 10, 2019, reports emerged about empty shelves at Fry's stores, leading to speculation about the chain's potential closure. Fry's responded by stating they were shifting to a consignment model.

2019: Fry's peak expansion to 34 stores

In 2019, Fry's Electronics reached its peak expansion, operating 34 stores across nine states. This marked a significant milestone in the company's growth and presence in the electronics retail industry.

2019: Rumors and Transition to Consignment Model

In 2019, rumors spread rapidly about Fry's Electronics potentially closing down due to empty shelves and a shift in focus to products like makeup and fragrances. Fry's responded by stating the company was transitioning to a consignment model instead of shutting down. This transition period saw four additional stores close by early 2021, raising further speculation about the company's future.

January 7, 2020: Duluth Fry's location closure

On January 7, 2020, Fry's Electronics closed its Duluth, Georgia location without advance notice, during the 2019 holiday season.

January 2020: End of Fry's Palo Alto location

By January 2020, Fry's Electronics had closed its Palo Alto location, marking the end of one of its earliest stores.

February 25, 2020: Anaheim Fry's store closure announcement

On February 25, 2020, Fry's Electronics announced the closure of its Anaheim location by March 2, 2020, continuing a pattern of store closures.

March 2, 2020: Anaheim Fry's location closure

On March 2, 2020, Fry's Electronics closed its Anaheim location, as previously announced, as part of a series of store closures.

November 10, 2020: Campbell Fry's store closure

On November 10, 2020, Fry's Electronics closed its Campbell location permanently without notice, reflecting ongoing struggles for the company.

February 23, 2021: Closure of all Fry's stores reported

On February 23, 2021, reports emerged that Fry's Electronics was closing all its remaining stores nationwide. The company's social media accounts were altered to reflect this closure as confirmed by KRON-TV.

February 24, 2021: Fry's permanent closure announcement

On February 24, 2021, Fry's Electronics announced the immediate and permanent closure of all its stores, citing changes in the retail industry and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the end of Fry's operations in the electronics retail sector.

April 2, 2021: Fry's enters general assignment

On April 2, 2021, Fry's Electronics entered general assignment and began liquidating its assets, including real estate, with Hilco Global. This marked the final phase of Fry's shutdown process.

2022: Fry's Electronics Featured in Film Nope

In 2022, the Burbank location of Fry's Electronics was prominently featured in the film "Nope" after the store's closure. This appearance highlighted the store's cultural significance.

2023: Settlement value adjusted to 2023 value

In 2023, the settlement value of the sexual harassment lawsuit Fry's Electronics settled in 2012 was adjusted to approximately $3.02 million, reflecting ongoing financial impacts.

2023: FCC fine adjusted to 2023 value

In 2023, the value of the FCC fine imposed on Fry's Electronics in 2008 was adjusted to approximately $533,663, highlighting the financial impact of past regulatory issues.