Computer store expands space and services

The small business once best known for having “$99 computer deals” is again expanding its footprint. The Osborne family, owners of “Great Computer Deals,” located at 1190 E. Highway 372, #16, began selling computers four years ago at the weekend swap meet held in the location of the old Skate Zone on Calvada Boulevard. The venture has proved so successful, the owners have expanded the business model to keep up with consumer demand. Another expansion will debut to the public next month.

Great Computer Deals will occupy the storefront across the parking lot from the current location and be called “Tech, Mail &More.” The current location is being fully utilized with the sale of name-brand computers, tablets and computer accessories at discount prices. The business already expanded into all available space to offer computer repair services.

When the new space became available, the Osbornes knew the time had come for them to expand into other areas requested by their customers. The new location has been completely renovated giving it a brand-new store feel.

“People would come into our store and ask for other services such as CD duplication, printing or ask how to do something on a computer. We realized that even though there are a few other places in town that offer these services, apparently there’s not enough of them, so we decided that it would be a good idea to expand again,” said Josh Osborne.

Each unit will function independently but together at the same time.

The vision for the expanded facility is everything electronic. Whether it would be selling someone a computer or tablet or learning how to operate the products purchased from Great Computer Deals, they will be offering time-saving services. Those include faxing, laminating and making copies.

Part of the new space will be set up as a lab with computer stations available to the public for a rental fee. The new location will also be host to FedEx and UPS packaging stations to handle shipping needs. It will also have mailbox rentals. The family believes the location is specifically ideal for these types of services.

“Our family business motto is fast, friendly and affordable services. When customers come into our store, we want them to feel as though they are family and they’re going to get great customer service,” said Chris Osborne.

The business will be using the computer lab to host group classes on everything from how to operate a computer to the latest operation of software that is available to the marketplace for office production and graphic design.

“What I’m particularly excited about is the classes that we will be offering. We will be teaching everything from operating your phone to how to check your emails on a computer,” said Teresa Osborne.

If you’re interested in the history of electronic technology, the family-owned business has set up a collection of memoribilia gathered over the last few years in a time-line museum setting. Each antiquated item will have a short description of what the device is and what year it became available to the public when the display is complete.

The new expansion will be open to the public in mid-February. The family-owned business would be honored if you’d stop by and let them show you around.