Watch CBS News

Why Are Fry's Store Shelves Empty Two Weeks Before Christmas?

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) - The parking lot was nearly empty, a sign on the door said "now hiring full-time merchandisers" and inside the store the shelves were largely bare.

On a Saturday afternoon just over two weeks before Christmas, the Toy Land at Fry's Electronics in Roseville was deserted. There were no customers, there were no toys. One of the few salespeople on the floor said the Fry's store in Natomas looked the same. He said staff had been told the company was "restructuring."

IN PHOTOS: Fry's Store Shelves Barren As Christmas Approaches (swipe for more)
The shelves at the Fry's store in Roseville are basically empty.
The shelves at the Fry's store in Roseville are basically empty.
The shelves at the Fry's store in Roseville are basically empty.

Online reports show the same thing is happening at other Fry's stores around the country and suggest the company is switching to a consignment business model, where shelves are stocked with products that Fry's doesn't have to pay for until they are sold.

A Fry's spokesman told the Dallas Morning News the company is not liquidating or planning to close any stores. Spokesman Manuel Valerio told the Dallas newspaper the company's 34 stores in nine states will have product again "over the next several weeks," but that report was published Nov. 15.

Fry's did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.