Micro Center

Micro Center
	File:Micro Center logo.svg
Company type	Division
Founded	1979; 47 years ago, in Columbus, Ohio
Founders	John Baker and Bill Bayne
Headquarters	Hilliard, Ohio, U.S.
Number of locations	29 (2025)
Key people	Richard M. Mershad (CEO); Peggy Wolfe (COO); Brad Kramer (CFO);
Products	Computers, consumer electronics and accessories
Revenue	$2.4 billion (2015)
Number of employees	2,750 (2016)
Parent	Micro Electronics, Inc.
Website	microcenter.com

Micro Center is a U.S.-based retailer specializing in computers and electronics, with its headquarters located in Hilliard, Ohio. Established in 1979 by John Baker and Bill Bayne, the company manages 29 retail locations across 19 states as of 2025. Concentrating on consumer electronics, computer hardware, and related accessories, Micro Center generated $2.4 billion in revenue in 2015 and employed around 2,750 individuals by the following year. The executive team includes CEO Richard M. Mershad, COO Peggy Wolfe, and CFO Brad Kramer. Functioning as a division under Micro Electronics, Inc., the company holds a significant position in the technology retail sector.

History

Founded in 1979 in Columbus, Ohio by former Radio Shack employees John Baker and Bill Bayne with an initial investment of $35,000, Micro Center's origins trace back to a modest 900-square-foot store located in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Positioned near Ohio State University and Battelle Memorial Institute, this location provided access to a technologically inclined customer base and workforce. Rick Mershad joined the company two years later as a sales associate and has since advanced to serve as CEO and President, playing a pivotal role in guiding the company's strategic direction. During its inaugural year, the business nearly achieved sales of $30 million.

In 1997, Micro Center made its entry into Silicon Valley by opening a store in Santa Clara to challenge established competitor Fry's Electronics. The company distinguished itself through enhanced employee compensation and superior customer service standards. The introduction of an "18-minute pickup" option in 2009 further refined its business approach by combining online ordering with prompt physical store collection.

The Santa Clara location was unexpectedly closed in 2012 due to leasing complications but was reopened in 2025 at a new site formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond. This move reinstated Micro Center’s footprint in Silicon Valley following Fry's Electronics' exit from the market in 2021.

In January 2014, Micro Center broadened its reach into New York City with new outlets established in Brooklyn and Queens. By May 2025, the retailer operates 29 stores spanning 19 states, including key markets such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York—demonstrating sustained expansion within the U.S.

Corporate structure

As a subsidiary of Micro Electronics, Inc., a privately owned firm based in Hilliard, Ohio, Micro Center maintains a strong corporate foundation.

Individual stores can extend up to , housing roughly 36,000 items across more than 700 categories that feature both prominent brands and proprietary Micro Center products. The retailer has been an authorized Apple reseller since 1982 and includes dedicated Apple sections within its stores. Since 2007, locations have incorporated "Build Your Own PC" areas alongside "Knowledge Bars," which provide customers with technical assistance and expert support.

Public profile

Micro Center was the pioneering U.S. retailer to debut the DJI Mavic Pro drone, organizing a three-day event at its Columbus location that was accessible to both media representatives and the general public.

In a 2015 discussion, CEO Rick Mershad underscored the company's strategic emphasis on STEM-oriented products such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, highlighting a consultative sales approach aimed at educational institutions and maker communities.

Media reception

Joan Verdon of The Record observed that Micro Center’s strength lies in its exceptional customer service and knowledgeable sales personnel, a perspective echoed by Doug Olenick, editor of the TWICE industry publication.

In 2021, Micro Center rolled out a complimentary solid-state drive promotion for first-time buyers. Although Storage Review criticized this offer for its limited value despite being free, it acknowledged Micro Center's Inland brand as a prominent contender in technology retail, comparable to Amazon's private label presence in other sectors.

Awards and rankings

In 2014, Micro Center earned the 93rd spot on the National Retail Federation’s list of the top 100 trending U.S. retailers. The following year, Dealerscope ranked it as the 18th largest consumer electronics retailer across the United States and Canada. By 2016, Forbes positioned Micro Electronics at number 195 among America's biggest privately owned enterprises.

During October 2016, Micro Center locations secured first and second place in Intel's "Score with Intel Core" contest, with prize funds contributed to area schools. This charitable initiative was repeated in 2019 when the company again achieved first and third place finishes, continuing its support for educational programs through additional donations.

External links