The Wiz (store)

The Wiz, officially known as Nobody Beats The Wiz, was a chain of consumer electronics stores primarily located in the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Founded in 1977 by Fouad "Dave" and Rosey Izmirlian, the company quickly grew to become a prominent retailer of televisions, stereos, appliances, and later, computers and mobile phones.

The Wiz was known for its aggressive advertising campaigns, often featuring the slogan "Nobody Beats The Wiz," and its prominent presence in the local community. They sponsored local sports teams, including the New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils, further solidifying their brand recognition. The stores were characterized by their large selection, competitive pricing, and often, commissioned-based sales staff.

The company expanded rapidly throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but faced increasing competition from larger national chains like Best Buy and Circuit City. Changes in the consumer electronics market, coupled with increased competition and a failure to adapt to the rise of online retailers, led to financial difficulties.

In 1998, Cablevision acquired The Wiz. The brand went through several iterations under Cablevision's ownership, including store closures and attempts to refocus the business. Ultimately, The Wiz stores were closed down in 2003, marking the end of an era for the regional electronics retailer. The brand name was briefly revived as an online retailer and through smaller authorized dealer locations, but the original, large-scale retail presence no longer exists.