About Micro Center
As recognized by PCMag Readers’ Choice 2024, Micro Center is the #1 Tech Retailer in America. Since 1979, over 22 million IT professionals, small businesses, students, engineers, makers, gamers, and tech enthusiasts have relied on us for cutting-edge technology products, expert guidance, and industry-leading service.
Founded in Columbus, Ohio, Micro Center has grown from a single 900 sq. ft. storefront into a national technology powerhouse with 29 stores in 19 states—and more on the way. We're proud to be one of the nation’s top suppliers of computers, electronics, networking gear, and maker products, with over 25,000 items in stock in our stores.
A Legacy of Innovation
Micro Center was founded by John Baker and Bill Bayne—former Radio Shack employees—with just a $35,000 investment. From our first store in 1980 near Ohio State University to new state-of-the-art locations in cities like Santa Clara, Miami, and Charlotte, we’ve grown steadily by staying focused on what matters: great products, knowledgeable staff, and unmatched customer experience. Rick Mershad, our current CEO and President, was one of our first 10 employees, starting as a Sales Associate.
We've led the way with innovations like our 18-Minute In-Store Pickup, exclusive PowerSpec desktops and in 2025, the launch of PriorityCare+, a premium tech support membership offering unlimited in-store and remote tech support, extended returns, cloud storage, and more.
Selection That Sets Us Apart
Whether you're building a PC from scratch, outfitting your small business, or setting up your network infrastructure, Micro Center is your one-stop destination. We’re the leading U.S. supplier of Arduino and Raspberry Pi and a go-to source for custom PC components, 3D printers, maker tools, and professional-grade networking gear from top brands like Ubiquiti.
With one of the deepest assortments in the industry, our shelves are stocked to meet the needs of casual users, gamers, makers, and professionals alike—from CPUs and motherboards to monitors, memory, storage, and software.
Service You Can Count On
Our Knowledge Bar offers expert technical support, same-day PC builds, diagnostics, and on-site repairs. Customers also have access to our technicians via chat, or in-store consultations.
We hire technology enthusiasts—not just salespeople—and give them ongoing training so they can deliver helpful, personalized guidance to customers at every level of tech experience. It’s this consultative sales approach that keeps our customers coming back.
Committed to Customer Satisfaction
At Micro Center, we design every store based on extensive research into customer behavior, feedback, and shopping trends. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, you’ll experience a seamless, supportive, and informed retail experience.
We also reward loyal customers with our Micro Center Insider Credit Card, offering 5% off† purchases every day and special financing options.
Our Mission
“We are determined to be the best computer store in the world. We are passionate about serving you in the best way possible. We will measure our success by how often you visit us.”
We believe that technology can make the world better, and that the time you spend with us is more valuable than the money you spend. That’s why we continue to invest in people, products, and services that bring technology to life—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
Timeline
- 1979 – Micro Electronics, Inc was incorporated, doing business as Micro Center
- 1980 – Our first store opened on Lane avenue in Columbus, OH
- May 15, 1980 – John Baker an Bill Bayne open original Micro Center store on Lane Avenue. And became “The Computer Department Store”
- 1984 – Our second store opened in the Columbus, OH suburb of Westerville
- 1986 – Launched MEI Micro Center to sell computer supplies through a catalog & magazine ads
- 1988 – Expansion outside the Central Ohio with our Marietta, GA store
- 1991 – Opened stores in the Cincinnati & Cleveland areas, covering all 3 major Ohio cities
- 1993 – First PowerSpec and WinBooks go on sale
- 1995 – Our 10th store opened!
- 1998 – Opened our first of four NY stores in Westbury, NY
- 1998 – Redemtech launched as an innovator in eCycling
- 2002 – Micro Center Online & In-store Pickup launched 20th store in opened in Duluth, GA (Atlanta)
- 2005 -2006 – Consumer Reports listed Micro Center as the best place to buy a computer
- 2007 – First Knowledge Bar opens in Paterson, NJ
- 2016 – Fastest growing top 25 online Consumer Electronics retailer & Samsung Memory Partner award
- 2018 – Micro Center and Wells Fargo partnered to offer the Micro Center Inside Credit Card
- 2020- During unprecedented times, Micro Center was a vital source for essential technology, driving a sharp rise in sales and bringing many new customers through our doors
- 2021- Tustin is remodeled into the store of the future
- 2023- Opened our first location in Indianapolis
- 2024- PC Mag #1 Tech Retailer in the U.S, two new locations in Charlotte, Miami, GPU trade-in program launched, Recycling Program launched
- 2025- Micro Center returns to Santa Clara with a new store. PriorityCare+ Launched
From Our Customers
" Excellent experience. Every corner there was an employee very willing to help out! Found everything I needed and their website is accurate on items in stock. In my visit I had 2 employees help me out and 3 others offer their help. Will most definitely come again.”-Momo (Charlotte)
“The prices are competitive, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They have pretty much everything you need to repair/upgrade/build a computer, and some great television and sound components.”- Charles P. (Miami)
“One of the few remaining stores where you can go and buy huge options of electronics. From USB sticks through to custom-made computer systems this huge shop sells at all. Prices are reasonable and the staff are fairly knowledgeable.”- Barry L. (Queens)
“This is a great computer store and electronics store. The people that work there are absolutely some of the best at their craft they know their job they know their position they know computers they know what they'reselling and they are very friendly and very helpful and will spend all the time you need to understand. They have helped me many times and I recommend this store Highly!”- Louis D. (Columbus)