Compusa

/kəmˈpjuːsə/ noun

Definition

A former American computer and electronics retailer chain that operated from 1984 to 2008, known for selling computers and related technology products.

Etymology

Portmanteau of 'computer' and 'USA,' created as a brand name in 1984 during the personal computer boom. The name reflected the company's focus on American computer retail during the rise of personal computing.

Kelly Says

CompUSA's rise and fall perfectly mirrors the evolution of personal computing - it thrived during the era when computers were complex enough to require specialized retail knowledge, but died when technology became commoditized and available everywhere. The company name itself became a time capsule of 1980s optimism about American tech dominance.

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