IBM Product Center
| File:IBM-Product-Center-red-1983.svg | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Defunct | Template:End date and age |
| Fate | Acquired by Nynex |
| Products | Office equipment, personal computers |
| Parent | International Business Machines |
IBM Product Center functioned as a retail branch of International Business Machines, specializing in the sale of the company’s office hardware such as photocopiers, typewriters, and personal computers. Its inaugural outlet was established in 1980 in central Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
History
Distinct from IBM's longstanding Business Computer Centers—which since the 1920s had concentrated on product demonstrations and user training—the Product Centers were designed to serve small enterprises and home office users by offering more affordable office technology.
By 1981, the premier Philadelphia location displayed a range of 17 items, including multiple word processor variants, typewriter models, a POS cash register, a dictation machine, the premium Series III photocopier priced at $39,000, alongside the recently introduced IBM Personal Computer. The IBM PC’s strong market reception warranted a specialized exhibit area. Additionally, these centers stocked third-party accessories compatible with IBM systems, such as tape drives from Tecmar.
As of mid-1981, operations spanned three stores located in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and San Francisco. Growth continued steadily, reaching 81 outlets by 1986, including 13 within California. In April 1986, all stores were divested to Nynex, a telecommunications firm formed following AT&T’s breakup. IBM attributed the sale to weaker sales performance relative to independent authorized dealers and conflicts with those dealers. Economist Leonard J. Parsons summarized this strategic realignment: "IBM decided that it was a technology company, not a retailer." Following acquisition, Nynex rebranded these outlets as Nynex Business Centers, merging IBM product lines with its telecom services.
See also
- Apple Store
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Further reading
- Bermant, Charles (May 28, 1984). "Where to Buy Your Computer". New York Magazine. New Group Publications. 17 (22): 53–68.
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- Former IBM subsidiaries
- 1986 mergers and acquisitions
- American companies established in 1980
- American companies disestablished in 1986
- Office supply retailers of the United States
- Retail companies established in 1980
- Retail companies disestablished in 1986
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- Companies of the United States by year of establishment