Computer & Software Retail Industry Overview

Companies that retail personal computers, networking equipment, peripherals, and software to individuals, businesses, and other end-users through retail stores, Web sites, and direct marketing.

Summary

These are the companies to turn to if you're looking to purchase some computing power. The computer and software retail industry includes businesses that sell PCs, software, and computer peripherals to both the consumer and business markets.

Full Computer & Software Retail Industry Description

Fewer Outlets

The number of computer stores has been declining, primarily due to intense competition from alternative outlets and market maturity. Needing less technical help in making purchase decisions, computer-literate consumers turned to retailers like consumer electronics stores and Internet merchants. Both small and large computer stores have suffered, as competition drove lower prices and pressured margins. Some companies resorted to closing store locations and focusing on Internet operations, which carry lower overhead costs.

Full Computer & Software Retail Industry Trends

• CDW Corporation
• CDW Government, Inc.
• CompUSA Inc.

View more Computer & Software Retail Competitors

Hoover's has developed its own industry classifications to better serve its customers. These classifications are mapped to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the older U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. The Computer & Software Retail maps to a number of NAICS codes including:

Full Computer & Software Retail Industry Codes

• American Electronics Association
  
• Association for Competitive Technology
  
• Association of Service and Computer Dealers International
  

View more Computer & Software Retail Industry Associations