Circuit City, once synonymous with CRT televisions, Walkmans and beige box PCs, filed for bankruptcy in 2008. When the remaining stores closed their doors for good in March of 2009, many suspected that'd be the last we'd hear of the failed electronics retailer. Systemax acquired what was left of the company a few months later and relaunched its website shortly after.
The site remained online until late 2012 when Systemax consolidated it under the TigerDirect brand.
A few months ago, retailer Ronny Shmoel purchased the Circuit City brand and now plans to bring it back from the dead yet again.
Shmoel, who recently shared plans for the new Circuit City with Twice, say he plans to open the first retail store this June - most likely in the Dallas area. There will also be an online presence with branded and private-label products as well as licensed kiosks, mobile shops and even franchise opportunities.
As is becoming the norm these days, the retail stores will range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet and target millennials with products like smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearables, gaming goods, headphones, drones, 3D printers and DIY devices.
By the end of 2017, Shmoel expects to have as many as 100 corporate-owned Circuit City stores open for business and in due time, upwards of 200 additional franchised locations.
Artist rendering courtesy Twice