Curtis Mathes Corporation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Curtis Mathes was a North American electronics retailer based in Garland, Texas, specializing in the sale of private label brand electronics and repair services. They operated a television manufacturing facility located at the southeast corner of the intersection of FM 2495 and State Highway 31 in Athens, Texas. Curtis Mathes operated the site until July 31, 1982 when they ceased all operations at this location. Curtis Mathes filed Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on January 27, 1992 and was granted reorganization on September 1, 1992.
The company once sold equipment sourced from Matsushita, Pioneer, Thomson, Samsung, Daewoo and other manufacturers. The brand also appeared briefly in the late 1990s to early 2000s as an in-house brand for Kmart Corporation.
It was known for its commercials proclaiming itself "the most expensive television set in America – and darn well worth it". It is also credited with bringing about longer warranties. Curtis Mathes products carried a 4 year warranty on parts and labor.
On June 2, 1983, the chairman, George Curtis Mathes, Jr., 54, died along with twenty-two other passengers in the Air Canada Flight 797 fire, which started in a rear lavatory.
Since the death of its founder, The Curtis Mathes brand began to die a slow death. It went from a peak of 3500 employees to about 50 when it was sold to Enhanced Electronics. It was during this time that the TV set known as the most expensive began marketing itself through Kmart.
As of early 2008, it appears to be a house brand of Wal-Mart/Sam's Club.
