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New Orleans, LA
CompUSA, one of the nation's largest
retailers and resellers of technology, has signed an agreement to feature
integrated security and home automation products from HAI, a leading
manufacturer in the home control industry since 1985, as part of its Digital
Living initiative.
Digital Living is an
interactive model of home living space where consumers can experience the latest
home control technology. From integrating a home's lighting, appliances, and
audio/video to regulating temperatures and security settings, the CompUSA
Digital Living Center illustrates how to network, control and monitor a home
from virtually anywhere.
"We sell a lot of PCs, but
PC's don't make us any money. It's not a growth business," said Larry Mondry,
CompUSA Stores President in a recent interview with the Dallas Morning News.
"All that does is give us the opportunity to sell something else." According to
the Dallas Morning News, "The something else he has in mind is home automation
equipment."
HAI's award-winning security
and automation products were chosen by CompUSA for Digital Living, in part,
because the company has a track record of reliable, affordable, and
easy-to-operate products. Additionally, the systems can be expanded with other
components such as audio/video, appliance, and home entertainment controls.
"Our market research has
taught us the customer's biggest problem with this or any other new technology
is that they can be intimidated by it," comments Brian Woods, CompUSA's Vice
President of Technology Services. "We decided to combine the use of our
Technical Services division, which employs some 2,500 certified technicians
across the country, to potentially install and teach our customers how to use
what we sold them. We're not just trying to move products; we want to educate
our customers and sell them applications that will improve their lifestyle."
HAI President, Jay McLellan,
concurs, "Home control technology has evolved over the last 20 years as a very
reliable, affordable means of tying together systems that are, for the most
part, already in the home. With exposure through CompUSA's Digital Living
Centers, consumers will become more aware of how these products can enhance the
comfort, convenience, safety, and value of their homes."
The first Digital Living
Center was opened in August of 2002 in Plano, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.
CompUSA has reported plans to expand to other markets where it currently
operates over 200 stores.
About CompUSA
CompUSA Inc.
(www.compusa.com)
is one of the nation's leading retailers and resellers of technology and related
products and services. CompUSA currently operates over 225 CompUSA
stores in 90 major metropolitan markets across the United States serving retail
and corporate customers. CompUSA's focus on the home integration industry lead
to the development of their Digital Living Program. Digital Living's mission is
to sell, install, service and support cutting edge products that simplify
today's digital lifestyle. With Service Centers at each of their retail
locations nationwide, CompUSA has 2600 certified technicians, 400 vehicles and a
world-class National Depot Center that provides high-quality, cost-effective
services to both business and consumer clientele.
About HAI (Home Automation,
Inc.)
HAI is a privately held manufacturer of integrated automation and security products
for residential and commercial use. Incorporated in 1985, HAI has developed a
full line of award-winning automation products, including three different
automation controllers, communicating programmable thermostats, and software
that allows access and control of an automation system over the Internet. All
products are sold through HAI's worldwide network of Distribution Partners and
installed by over 1000 trained dealers.
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