Go, go Gadget: A new business has opened its doors on Columbia’s bustling Devine Street
A touch of the tech world has debuted on Columbia’s Devine Street.
Gadgetboy, a shop that sells and repairs a host of computers, smartphones and other tools of digital wizardry, has opened its doors at 2822 Devine St. That’s right next to Piecewise Coffee and Britton’s clothing shop and directly across the street from Sully’s Steamers and Ally & Eloise Bakeshop.
The shop offers a plethora of tech gear, including MacBooks, iPhones, Apple and Samsung tablets, wireless headphones, gaming and Windows-based laptops, a host of speakers including Bose, JBL and Sony brands, and a wealth of chargers, cords, ear buds and various other accessories.
Gadgetboy also offers repairs on smartphones, video game systems, computers and other devices. The shop also builds its own Gadgetboy-branded laptops and sells various merch, from hats to T-shirts to laptop backpacks.
The shop was imagined with an open, comfortable feel, with a large TV-and-couch area in the back where people can relax while repairs are being made, and a large, colorful mural across the wall that was painted by noted Columbia artist Ija Charles.
This is the first Gadgetboy retail storefront, though general manager Rush “Fox” Cox said the company will look to expand its footprint.
“We have a whole team that we train up to do the repair side of things, and then there is a team that works on sales,” Cox said. “One thing that is a constant is that we get the cutting edge of technology, then we price it very reasonably.”
Gadgetboy is the latest addition to a Devine Street corridor that has become a bedrock for locally-owned shopping and dining near downtown Columbia. Located just east of Five Points, it’s a key retail gateway into the capital city.
Cox said Gadgetboy has been received warmly on Devine.
“We have a wonderful relationship with Britton’s next door, and Piecewise,” Cox said of neighboring shops. “As far as Devine Street in general, I took a trip down the street in both directions to meet the business owners and give a face with a name, and I was very surprised with how many businesses there are right through here.”
