Looks like Ultimate Electronics is the next victim of our economy. My brother told me yesterday he read in the paper they are closing and dropping prices. I just came from the Maple Grove store. Things are selling, walls appear to be bare in many spots so they are selling stuff. They still have tons of stuff left at this location. The prices though arent blowouts by any means. Most I have seen was 30% unless you want little items instead of the electronic stuff.
On a different note. Yesterday I came from a Menards store that was blowing everything out to tear down that store and build a new Menards. But by the time I found out about it, it must have been a month old blowout because the store was pretty much gutted of almost everything, including the racking.
Tony Hoffer said
Feb 12, 2011
Doesnt surprise me... Years ago Audio King was the place to go for higher end electronics..... since the change to Ultimate they were competing with Walmart and Best buy for the cheapest junk they could get a container of...
John D said
Feb 13, 2011
I worked for Audio King in the '80s for about 10 years... my 1st Christmas party was at "Sgt. Prestons" (7 corners) with about 20 people! It truly was the area's finest "audiophile" store... sales people who KNEW the product, spent time with you, and the very best gear to be had.
Again, greed strikes, and it wasn't the store owners. The mfg's had a lot to do with it too. For years the high-end lines were "protected", or "limited distribution". For many years Audio King enjoyed exclusive access to Alpine, Nakamichi, Yamaha, Bang & Olufsen, and other premium lines. Not any more. The principals saw the writing on the wall, cashed in on a very good deal, and got out before the market sank.
Ultimate came in and turned a great store into a "big box" outfit, while trying to maintain the personal touch of Audio King... didn't work.
Dave Seitz said
Feb 14, 2011
John D wrote:
It truly was the area's finest "audiophile" store... sales people who KNEW the product, spent time with you, and the very best gear to be had.
Then they hired a bunch of kids who did not know squat about selling gear. All the sales guys had an attitude that they were the only place to go and only they sold top quality gear. Had a few dealings with the punks who needed their asses kicked and brought back to reality.
If you do buy anything remember YOU BETTER LOVE IT BECAUSE YOU OWN IT! The store closing means that even if it is new and broke that is your problem now.
Tony Hoffer said
Feb 15, 2011
Well Dave.. Its a manufacturers warranty. not a store warranty... :rolleyes" I miss Curtis Mathis and other manufacturers that put quality before price point... If anything went wrong they sent someone to your house to fix it..
On a different note. Yesterday I came from a Menards store that was blowing everything out to tear down that store and build a new Menards. But by the time I found out about it, it must have been a month old blowout because the store was pretty much gutted of almost everything, including the racking.
Years ago Audio King was the place to go for higher end electronics..... since the change to Ultimate they were competing with Walmart and Best buy for the cheapest junk they could get a container of...
Again, greed strikes, and it wasn't the store owners. The mfg's had a lot to do with it too. For years the high-end lines were "protected", or "limited distribution". For many years Audio King enjoyed exclusive access to Alpine, Nakamichi, Yamaha, Bang & Olufsen, and other premium lines. Not any more. The principals saw the writing on the wall, cashed in on a very good deal, and got out before the market sank.
Ultimate came in and turned a great store into a "big box" outfit, while trying to maintain the personal touch of Audio King... didn't work.
If you do buy anything remember YOU BETTER LOVE IT BECAUSE YOU OWN IT! The store closing means that even if it is new and broke that is your problem now.
I miss Curtis Mathis and other manufacturers that put quality before price point... If anything went wrong they sent someone to your house to fix it..