Gateway Country Stores

Gateway Country Stores was an American chain of computer showrooms created by computer manufacturer Drawing on the company's cow motif in its packaging, marketing, and logo, the stores were themed after a farm landscape. The first two Gateway Country locations opened in November 1996: Gateway Country #1101 in Orange, Connecticut (near New Haven) and Gateway Country #1102 in Matthews (near Charlotte). For the most part, the stores were intended to demonstrate the company's customizable direct-to-consumer products, which customers would then order delivered to their homes. However, beginning in December 2000, a small selection of popular models were available to purchase in stores.

At the chain's peak in early 2001, there were over 300 stores across the United States. Gateway Country is said to have inspired the launch of the Apple Store that same year. 30 stores were closed early in 2001, with a further 80 being shuttered in 2003. The remaining 188 stores closed on April 9, 2004.