Nabih's Inc.

Nabih's Inc. was a locally focused consumer-electronics retailer and information-technology consulting business based in downtown Evanston, Illinois, near the Northwestern University campus. Founded by Nabih Mangoubi in 1972, the company operated for approximately four decades and became one of the area's longstanding specialist technology merchants before closing in 2012. The business began as a reseller of electronic office equipment, particularly calculators. Its early activity reflected the market for business machines that preceded the widespread adoption of personal computers. In 1978, Nabih's became one of the earliest authorized resellers of Apple equipment. It stocked and serviced Apple products beginning with the Apple II and associated peripherals, establishing a relationship that continued for much of the company's existence. By 1981, its assortment also included products from Alpha Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments, and Vector Graphic. Nabih's combined product retailing with technical support and information-technology consulting. This model positioned the company as more than a conventional discount or general merchandise store: customers could purchase computing equipment, obtain advice about systems and peripherals, and receive service from a local specialist. Its proximity to Northwestern University also placed it in a commercially relevant environment for students, faculty, staff, professionals, and small businesses, although the available reference material does not quantify its customer base or revenue. The company's founder, Nabih Mangoubi, was born in Egypt and came to the United States with his family after the expulsion of Jews from Egypt in the 1950s. The family arrived in Chicago in 1966 with very limited financial resources. Mangoubi later established Nabih's at the age of 24, building a business around the emerging market for electronic office and computing equipment. The company's history therefore links immigrant entrepreneurship with the early development of personal-computer retailing in the United States. Nabih's remained a small, independent, place-based business rather than a national chain. Its most notable commercial distinction was its early Apple authorization and long-running role selling and servicing Apple equipment. The company ultimately closed in 2012. No reliable information in the supplied sources identifies a successor owner, a parent company, financial results, or a specific reason for the closure.

Nabih's Inc. was established in 1972 in downtown Evanston, Illinois, by Nabih Mangoubi, who was 24 at the time. Mangoubi had been born in Egypt and emigrated to the United States with his family after the forced displacement of Egyptian Jews during the 1950s. The family reached Chicago in 1966 with little money and few possessions. His background as an immigrant entrepreneur formed part of the company's later historical identity, although the business itself was principally known for retailing and servicing electronic and computing equipment. The company initially sold electronic office equipment, with calculators among its principal products. This placed Nabih's in the market for business machines during the period before personal computers became common in offices and homes. As computing developed, the company expanded toward microcomputers and related equipment. In 1978 it became one of the first authorized Apple resellers, selling and servicing Apple products. The early Apple range included Apple II computers and peripherals, products that helped establish the retailer's connection with the emerging personal-computer market. By 1981, Nabih's product selection had broadened beyond Apple. Reference material identifies equipment from Alpha Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments, and Vector Graphic among the brands it stocked. The company's activities also extended beyond transactions at the retail counter. It provided information-technology consulting and technical service, allowing customers to obtain advice and assistance alongside hardware. This combination of product sales, support, and consulting was particularly relevant for local businesses, professionals, and members of the Northwestern University community. Nabih's operated for roughly 40 years in Evanston's downtown area, close to the Northwestern University campus. It remained a local independent business rather than becoming a national chain or a subsidiary of a larger disclosed retail group. Its long Apple authorization and early participation in personal-computer retailing were its principal industry distinctions. The company closed in 2012. The available material does not provide a detailed account of its final ownership, financial condition, closure decision, or any successor operation.

• 2012

  Business closure

  [1]Nabih's Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Nabih's Inc. closed after approximately four decades of operation in downtown Evanston.

• 1981

  Expansion of computer brands

  [1]Nabih's Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  The company was stocking equipment from Alpha Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments, and Vector Graphic in addition to Apple products.

• 1978

  Early Apple authorization

  [1]Nabih's Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Nabih's became one of the earliest authorized Apple resellers and began selling and servicing Apple II computers and peripherals.

• 1972

  Nabih's Inc. is founded

  [1]Nabih's Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Nabih Mangoubi founded the company in Evanston, Illinois, at age 24.

A local, specialist technology retailer and service provider focused on electronic office equipment, personal computers, peripherals, and information-technology advice. Its early authorized-Apple status and proximity to Northwestern University distinguished it from general merchandise retailers.

• Office electronics · 1972

  Electronic office equipment

  Nabih's began as a reseller of electronic office equipment, especially calculators. These products formed the company's initial commercial base before it moved more deeply into personal computing and information technology.

• Personal computers · 1978

  Apple II computers and peripherals

  Following its early authorization by Apple, Nabih's sold Apple II computers and related peripherals. The company also serviced Apple equipment, making the line a central part of its identity as a specialist computer retailer.

• Computer hardware · 1981

  Multi-brand computer equipment

  By 1981, the retailer carried equipment from several computing and electronics manufacturers, including Alpha Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, Texas Instruments, and Vector Graphic. The broader assortment supported its role serving organizations and individuals with varied technology requirements.

• Technology services

  Information-technology consulting and service

  In addition to selling hardware, Nabih's operated as an information-technology consultant and provided equipment servicing. The available sources do not specify the detailed scope, pricing, or formal names of these services.

1. 1Nabih's Inc.en.wikipedia.org