The campus institution that began with a computer truck load sale in 1987 will mark a major milestone this spring. When the Computer Showcase returns home to a brand new Michigan Union store space in April, they will adopt a new name: Tech Shop.
When the first brick-and-mortar location opened in 1988, Computer Showcase only offered consulting and demo computers for customers to test drive; computers could then be pre-ordered for later delivery. Since then, Computer Showcase has become a full-service retail operation, carrying a complete inventory of personal technology products and offering same- or next-day delivery for departmental purchases. “As a business name, ‘Computer Showcase’ just doesn’t make sense anymore,” says Program Manager Justin Day. “It no longer speaks to who we are and what we offer … or even to the current reality of personal computing.”
Tech Shop was selected as the new name in recognition of how much both the business and campus technology have evolved in the last 30+ years. Powered by Information and Technology Services, Tech Shop will offer an even better hands-on shopping experience, backed up by the on-site technical consulting and repair service that customers have always enjoyed. Tech Shop will continue to offer locations at the Michigan Union and Pierpont Commons, with plans for new vending machine locations on the Ann Arbor campus and a full-service storefront at UM-Dearborn coming soon.
