HOUSTON -- ComputerCraft, the Houston-based computer retailer that expanded with the advent of the personal computer and then drastically cut back in the mid-1980s, is moving its headquarters to San Jose, Calif.
ComputerCraft will close its Houston headquarters by Oct. 15 and move in with its parent company, San Jose-based Businessland, to help improve operating efficiences, ComputerCraft President Brian Leeland said Tuesday.
ComputerCraft was founded in Houston in 1977, and was bought by Businessland in 1988.
The number of ComputerCraft stores has dropped from 23 to 20 in recent months and is about to shrink again, Leeland said. The company plans to close or consolidate five stores, leaving it with 15 stores, of which five are in Houston.
Once known as the world's largest Apple Computer dealer, ComputerCraft had about 60 stores and 650 employees by 1985 but had to drastically cut back as the U.S. computer industry hit a sales dip.
Since Businessland bought the company, its accounting, planning and marketing operations in Houston have been separate from Businessland's computer buyers, who handle purchases for all Businessland stores, Leeland said.
ComputerCraft's purchasing operations will be combined with Businessland's to increase sales and marketing efficiencies.
'Initially, I was convinced we would leave it (the headquarters) down there, but it became obvious that we need better integration,' Leeland said.
Only two ComputerCraft employees decided to transfer to San Jose. Several employees have joined Armand Shapiro, former ComputerCraft president, at his new company, Garden Ridge Pottery.
Shapiro resigned from ComputerCraft in April and now is chairman of Garden Ridge.
Some ComputerCraft employees have joined Businessland. Leeland said several turned down jobs in California because of the higher cost of living there.
