Sterile and soulless

David Pogue just takes CompUSA apart.

This may sound a little harsh—but frankly, I’ve never quite understood how CompUSA stayed in business to begin with. Most of the stores I’ve visited have been sterile and soulless, and pervaded by a feeling of abandonment. You’d think a gearhead like me would get all excited to be there, but for some reason, I just can’t wait to get out.
. . .

But what about the old argument that local shops offer hand-holding, friendly advice and personal service?

Well, there may be CompUSA employees who provide all that. But I haven’t met many of them.

There’s more.