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WILKES-BARRE — Computer Planet, located at 1120 Highway 315 Blvd., at the 315 Plaza across from The Woodlands, is the new form of the computer business started by owner Arlington Andrews back in 2003.

The new store officially opened at the beginning of the new year.

Computer Planet used to be called “Digital Addition,” Andrews, of Hazleton, said, but he decided to change the name of the new location.

“I just didn’t like the name after all those years because it didn’t have the word ‘computer’ in it, and people didn’t know what we did,” he said.

The company offers same-day repair services, sales and even services like building custom gaming computers.

Arlington, who says he received the Great Valley Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006, started the business in the Fairlane Village Mall in Pottsville while he was attending college full time.

“I would attend my classes during the morning and then open the store in the afternoon until closing,” he explained in a press release.

Andrews said that passion inspired him to start the business.

“I always wanted to work for myself, because how hard you work is directly proportionate to how much money you make,” he said. “I always had an interest in computers, and I always wanted to combine my passion in life with my job.”

After some good business, Andrews opened the store’s second location in the Laurel Mall in Hazleton, and later its third location in the Wyoming Valley Mall.

Andrews decided to close the Pottsville and Wilkes-Barre locations after a few years of stress, and directed his focus on the store’s Hazleton location, because of its proximity to where he lived.

Finally, Computer Planet was born after Andrews decided to relocate and rename.

“I always knew I wanted to open again in Wilkes-Barre because of how well we did there and how centralized that location is,” said Andrews. “With 29,000 vehicles per day driving past our store this (new) location cannot be beat.”

Andrews acknowledges that his industry is “challenging” due to the lowering prices of computers, but reiterated the value of repairs.

“I would like to remind everyone that when they purchase a brand-new computer from a big box store they are not purchasing the newest technology. We can easily sell a customer a three-year-old computer that is much faster and less expensive than a brand new computer they paid $400 for at a big box store,” he explained.

He added that the repairs are cost-effective, as replacing one or two components in an older computer could mean it runs like new or even better.

Andrews said that he is looking forward to another 15 years of business with Computer Planet.

“We want to thank all of our customers during our 15 years in business and we hope the next 15 years will be even more prosperous!”

Computer Planet opened in Plaza 315 in Wilkes-Barre Township at the beginning of the year.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_32018112131659751.jpg.optimal.jpgComputer Planet opened in Plaza 315 in Wilkes-Barre Township at the beginning of the year. Submitted photo

Computer Planet offers a full line of computer services.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/web1_1201811213172208CMYK.jpg.optimal.jpgComputer Planet offers a full line of computer services. Submitted photo
Computer Planet opens in 315 Plaza

By Toni Ann Pennello

[email protected]

Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.