Circuit City to close 567 stores? Time to get a discount on a Wii?
photo credit: qnr
I have fond memories of going with my dad to Circuit City as a kid and looking at all the stereos and latest gadgets. In fact, I’ve probably spent a good amount of money on electronics at Circuit City over the last 20 years. My first big stereo system, dvd player, Sony computer, car stereos, cell phones, and more. Well, now Circuit City is a victim of the credit crunch and poor holiday sales. Is it time to go to Circuit City one last time and look for a deal before they go out of business? Can I find a discount on a Wii? Do I even need a Wii?
Let’s say a Wii was in our family budget and I was going to use if for daily exercise using the Wii fit. Alright, you’re probably laughing at my justification right now, but let’s say I could get it for a steep discount. I think I saw the Wii for $250 at Best Buy or Target over the holidays and the Wii fit for another $100. Total cost would be $350 for a fun family toy. I don’t know if the price of the Wii would ever be justified if it wasn’t in our budget, but let’s say it is. If I could get a Wii for 25% or 30% off, would that be a deal? Let’s see.
Circuit City will be liquidating inventory and may not restock store shelves with new inventory. Since the Wii is sold out at many other stores, Circuit City may not even have them in stock. What if they do? Will Circuity City change the return policy since they are going out of business? Would it be worth a 25% discount if they offered no return policy or limited warranty? This could be a risky venture. I’m sure the Wii probably comes with a standard manufacturer warranty from Nintendo, but will Circuit City be able to help if something breaks? I might venture out this weekend and see what our local Circuity City has in stock. If it’s in your family budget, are you planning a trip to Circuit City to check for bargains?
Also, if you have any Circuit City gift cards that you received for the holidays…Use them quickly. You don’t want to be holding Circuit City gift cards when the stores are empty and worthless.
Traciatim Said:
Keep in mind the Wii isn’t just 250 + 100 for each. You’ll probably want another game, 3 extra controllers (to play 4 player games, 3 extra nunchuck controllers, 4 sets of NiMH AA batteries (or Wii specific charge cradles and batteries). So that’s:
Wii: 250
Wii Fit: 100
Wii Game: 60
3 Wii Remotes: 45*3 = 135
3 Nunchucks: 20*3 = 60
8 AA NiMH Batteries: 40
So you are hovering around 650 bucks when all is said and done. Now take in to consideration that you may have a 4 person family and each person uses it 2 hours a week for the year you have 8 entertainment hours a week or 416 EH/Y for a total of $1.57 per EH. Though that will change when you rent games, buy more games, buy the virtual console controlers, gift wii points to friends, someone plays 4 hours a day for a week straight to beat the new game, etc.
I guess when it comes down to it, it’s much cheaper than a lot of other forms of entertainment. If you can get a game the whole family enjoys then your set for a long time . . . tried risk?
Posted on January 16th, 2009
Nick Said:
I remember running 10 miles from my house to Circuit City just to buy some Metallica import single CDs. And then running 10 miles back home with a plastic bag in my hand. All because Circuit City was the only store in the area that occasionally had import singles and I was a huge Metallica fan.
But then a few years ago, they changed to become exactly like Best Buy — loads of garbage that doesn’t work for longer than a few months and nothing unique. So I stopped going there and ordered CDs online.
It’s too bad Circuit City finally went out of business, as I really enjoyed that store when it carried products I actually wanted to purchase.
Posted on January 16th, 2009
Scott Said:
@ Nick
Sounds like you have some good memories of Circuit City as well. Running 10 miles sounds like some great exercise.
Posted on January 17th, 2009
Scott Said:
@ Traciatim
You bring up an excellent point. I’m sure I would get addicted to the Wii and find myself wanting to purchase several games for it as well. I better consider starting a Wii budget first.
Posted on January 17th, 2009
pfincome Said:
If you compare the Wii expenses against a treadmill or elliptical machine, then maybe you can justify it. I don’t think you will be able to find any Wii’s or games like that – but who knows? My wife and I are in the market for a new laptop, and video camera – so we may head over and check things out. We have never really had any luck though with liquidation sales.
Posted on January 17th, 2009
castocreations Said:
We have a Wii and want to get a Wii Fit but I highly doubt there will be any marked down, if they even had them at all. It’s such a popular item that even a 5% discount would have them flying off the shelves.
I do love my Wii and really want a Wii Fit but am waiting until they come out with a new version.
Posted on January 17th, 2009
Scott Said:
@ Castocreations
Just curious, do you belong to a gym or do you plan to use your Wii fit for your sole exercise? I’m curious how much of a workout it provides.
Posted on January 18th, 2009
Scott Said:
@ PFIncome
Circuit City should have some good deals on cameras and laptops. I would just double and triple check the warranty they will provide. I’m looking at a new Mac computer and service is a big part of my research. I’m comparing the Apple store near us to Best Buy. Even though Best Buy is cheaper by $100, do they offer the same level of customer service?
Posted on January 18th, 2009