When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Micro Center
Why Micro Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Micro Center is a leading American computer and electronics retailer that has become a beloved destination for technology enthusiasts, professionals, gamers, and DIY PC builders across the United States. Founded in 1979 in Columbus, Ohio, by two former Radio Shack employees, the company has grown from a small 900-square-foot store into a national powerhouse with 29 stores spanning 19 states and a robust e-commerce platform serving a global audience. The stores offer an impressive selection of over 20,000 to 36,000 products, including computers, components, software, networking gear, maker products, and exclusive in-house brands. A standout feature is their renowned "Build Your Own PC" departments, where customers can choose from a wide variety of hard-to-find parts and receive expert advice from knowledgeable staff. The physical stores foster a welcoming, hands-on environment that encourages discovery and technical exploration. Micro Center also provides specialized services such as “Knowledge Bars” for in-person tech support and advice, further enhancing the community feel. Their commitment to customer experience, competitive pricing, and staying at the forefront of tech trends—like offering the first US retail sale of the DJI Mavic Pro drone and supporting STEM creators with Arduino and Raspberry Pi products—make Micro Center a premier meeting place for anyone passionate about technology.
Here's what people think of Micro Center
As of recent, Micro Center holds a 4.5-star rating based on 4604 reviews.
User reviews of Micro Center consistently reflect a high level of satisfaction, contributing to its strong 4.5-star rating from over 4,600 reviews. Customers frequently praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff who provide exceptional customer service and expert guidance, making complicated tech purchases more approachable. Many highlight the excellent in-store experience, especially the helpful "Build Your Own PC" section and the availability of a wide range of products, including rare components. Positive feedback also often notes Micro Center's competitive pricing and efficient in-store pickup options, such as the praised 18-minute pickup service. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional issues such as stock availability limitations, longer wait times during peak hours, and challenges with some promotional offers or online order fulfillment. A few customers mention that the large store layout can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Overall, the positive experiences strongly outweigh the negatives, reinforcing Micro Center's reputation as a trusted tech retailer that balances product variety, expert advice, and community-driven service. This blend makes it a favorite destination for tech buyers seeking both quality and expertise.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nikita Sclearenco
This store is FANTASTIC! There are so many options for everyone who is interested in PCs, as well as all the accessories and tools that one may need. I went to the store August 15th and it was such an amazing experience. All the staff were very kind and helpful, with Kelly helping me find the best laptop and providing with all the answers I needed on buying a laptop. Even the manager of the store came to thank us for shopping at the Micro Center, which was a great touch to the overall incredible experience. I will definitely recommend this store to all my friends
Ben Sadkowski
I bought nearly all of the components for a new productivity PC build at this Micro Center. I had an employee work 1:1 with me to get all the components I had selected,, and he price-matched every component that I had found for less online through competing vendors. Price-matching, in addition to Micro Center's own CPU/Motherboard bundle discounts ended up saving me several hundred dollars on my build. I highly recommend doing your homework first before showing up in-store, as the staff there are very friendly and willing to work with you.
Everette Thorpe
The place for me :) everyone is super nice and helpful with giving you honest recommendations and knowing their stuff. They have a wide variety of stock that's worth it. I much prefer coming here in person, seeing and touching the tech I buy, to know that it's the right product for me. No need to go to Best Buy when Micro Center does it better :)
Victor Peters
I could spend hours upon hours in here. Just bought myself all new parts for two gaming pc’s for me and my wife. Super knowledgeable staff helped me make smart choices by going with the Motherboard + CPU bundles. Surprised one salesperson can know so much about their products!
Joe Geringer
The customer service is the best around. Super knowledgeable staff. I checked lots of other competitors, but they not only had better prices than anywhere online, their salesmen knew all of their products.
How to reach Micro Center
None
Website: None
Why Micro Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Micro Center with your friends? Micro Center is far more than just a technology retailer—it’s a vibrant hub where tech enthusiasts, gamers, DIY builders, and casual shoppers come together to explore the latest in computer and electronics innovation. With a solid 4.5-star rating from over 4,600 reviews, it’s clear that customers appreciate the store’s vast product selection, knowledgeable staff, and engaging atmosphere. Visiting Micro Center with friends is an ideal way to fuel your shared passion for technology, whether you’re hunting for the best deals on hardware, comparing the newest gadgets, or brainstorming your next PC build. The excitement of discovering cutting-edge components, gaming gear, and creative tech solutions is amplified when experienced as a group, making Micro Center a natural rallying point. The store's welcoming vibe encourages collaboration, advice sharing, and hands-on interaction with products, which transforms what could be a simple shopping trip into an enriching social outing.
Micro Center's extensive inventory and expert staff make it a perfect venue for group meetups because it caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Whether your crew wants to dive into building custom PCs, upgrade gaming setups, or simply geek out over the newest devices, everyone finds something engaging. The store's layout encourages browsing and interaction, sparking conversation and new ideas, while knowledgeable associates provide personalized guidance and answers to even the most technical questions. For groups looking for a tech-centric social experience that also combines learning with fun, Micro Center’s environment is unique and unmatched.
What activities can you do at Micro Center with your group?
Micro Center offers a diverse array of activities perfect for groups, turning what might be a typical shopping destination into an interactive tech playground. One of the most popular activities is exploring the vast selection of computer parts and components, which allows friends to collaborate on PC building projects. This is especially rewarding for those interested in custom builds, as the store stocks thousands of parts including processors, motherboards, GPUs, and cooling systems. Groups can compare brands and features side-by-side, discuss performance, and brainstorm configurations, making the experience both educational and engaging.
Another fantastic feature for a group meetup is the gaming section. Here, friends can check out and demo the latest gaming desktops, laptops, and peripherals, from high-performance keyboards to precision mice and ultra-responsive monitors. This space is ideal for comparing gear, trying out setups for multiplayer gaming, or simply sampling new games on the spot. The social thrill of gaming gear discovery ignites friendly competition and shared enthusiasm. Micro Center also stocks accessories for consoles and VR platforms, providing an extended playground for diverse gaming interests.
Additionally, those interested in technology innovations can explore the latest Apple products, wearable tech, smart home devices, and more. These displays invite hands-on experiences and group discussions about how the newest technology features can improve day-to-day life or boost productivity. The store encourages curiosity and experimentation, with staff ready to answer questions and offer demonstrations, turning shopping into an educational group outing.
Why is Micro Center the perfect place for building a custom PC with friends?
One of Micro Center’s standout reasons for being the ideal meetup spot is its unmatched support for custom PC building. Group members passionate about assembling a personalized computer will find everything they need in one place, from individual components to tools and expert advice. The availability of in-store PC builders and the extensive inventory of compatible parts simplify the otherwise complicated selection process, making it collaborative and less intimidating.
Friends can spend hours comparing processors like Intel and AMD, debating fast storage options like NVMe drives, or selecting powerful graphics cards tailored to their gaming or creative needs. Micro Center’s staff are often tech enthusiasts themselves and can offer valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the group’s build plans. The shared hands-on approach builds camaraderie as members help one another understand specs and troubleshoot choices. This dynamic makes Micro Center more than a store; it’s a place to create something meaningful together.
Micro Center also offers same-day pickup options and technical support services, which means your group can plan a quick turnaround on parts and even schedule future visits for upgrades or repairs. These conveniences make the entire PC-building journey a smooth, social, and highly satisfying experience.
What makes Micro Center’s shopping experience so enjoyable for groups?
Several factors contribute to the enjoyment of shopping at Micro Center in a group setting. For starters, their extensive store hours—from 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays—offer flexibility for groups with different schedules to plan meetups comfortably. This accessibility ensures you don’t have to rush through your visit and can take the time to explore, ask questions, and fully immerse in the tech environment.
Moreover, Micro Center’s layout is designed to encourage browsing and discovery. With over 25,000 items spanning computers, laptops, accessories, components, and electronics, the store feels more like a tech museum or expo where there is always something new to learn or see. This diversity keeps the group engaged and sparks natural conversations as people share opinions and firsthand experiences. Free interaction with products means that the outing is active rather than passive—no one needs to simply stand and watch, everyone is involved.
The availability of knowledgeable employees who are friendly and approachable adds an extra layer of enjoyment. These experts help decode technical jargon, demonstrate features, and answer even niche questions without intimidation, creating a welcoming environment for everyone regardless of expertise. This customer service philosophy turns shopping into a collaborative adventure rather than a chore.
Can Micro Center accommodate groups of varying tech interests?
Yes, Micro Center is excellent at welcoming groups with a broad range of tech interests. Whether your group includes hardcore gamers, content creators, software developers, or just casual electronics enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone. The store’s wide product assortment and specialist staff mean that each individual can find items and information that suit their personal preferences while still participating in group discussion.
For example, some friends might spend most of their time in the gaming section experimenting with racing simulators or VR gear, while others might head to the Apple product displays or the vast PC parts aisles to browse the latest tech innovations or planning a workstation build. The diversity offered ensures that mixed groups don’t feel segmented but rather benefit from complementary experiences, inspiring cross-interest discovery and learning.
Micro Center also hosts various tech-related events and workshops in some locations, which can be great planned group activities that add educational value to the visit. Even if your friends have differing tech skill levels, the inclusive atmosphere ensures everyone gains something from the outing.
Why is Micro Center a better choice than other electronics stores for a meetup?
Micro Center stands out among electronics retailers because it blends product range, expertise, and experience so effectively, making it uniquely suited for social visits compared to other stores. Unlike big-box stores that often carry limited electronics stock or primarily offer self-serve shelving, Micro Center invites in-depth exploration, advice, and personalized service.
The depth of inventory—routinely boasting over 20,000 tech items including hard-to-find components—means your group won’t need to shop around multiple locations to complete projects or compare options. Micro Center’s commitment to knowledgeable staffing also means you gain direct access to experts who can consult with the entire group, simplifying complex tech choices and helping avoid costly mistakes.
Furthermore, group visits become a richer experience thanks to in-store demos, interactive displays, and the chance to engage directly with cutting-edge technology—the kind of curated experience rarely found in other electronics outlets. This makes Micro Center not just a store but a destination for tech lovers to connect, learn, and share.
In summary, Micro Center offers an unbeatable combination of extensive tech inventory, expert assistance, interactive experiences, flexible hours, and community-driven atmosphere that make it the perfect venue to rally your friends for an exciting, educational, and social tech shopping adventure. Whether you’re planning to build PCs, discover new gaming gear, or simply geek out over the latest gadgets, Micro Center is the ultimate hotspot for your group's next meetup.