Compusa Making Cuts To Work Force

Dallas-based computer and software retailer CompUSA said Thursday it would cut between 1,000 and 1,500 workers, or about 7 percent of its work force, and close four stores within the next month.

The changes are part of a sweeping corporate overhaul, attempting, in part, to become less reliant on PC sales.

A CompUSA spokeswoman would not reveal which outlets will close first. She said an additional five to 10 of the company’s 211 stores could be shut down during the next 12 months.

CompUSA’s Spokane store is located at 808 N. Ruby.

Traditional computer retailers have been hurt during the past year amid a drastic decline in PC prices. More than half the computers bought at retail stores this year sold for under $1,000.

In addition, CompUSA has been stung by increased competition from consumer electronics merchants such as Best Buy and a rise in sales over the Internet.

In an effort to revive its business, CompUSA will now broaden the array of merchandise sold at its stores. It will still stock desktop and laptop computers, but its merchandise mix will also include more Palm Pilots, digital cameras, interactive toys, camcorders and DVD movies and players.