The thing is you could buy things there you could not find anywhere else. Most places now just give a blank stare and tell you “your equipment is outdated, you have to buy a whole new setup.”
It’s sort of like going into the old neighborhood hardware store (those are gone too) to look for that old dusty part for your broken lawnmower.
Once upon a time electronic equipment was serviced by trained technicians. Appliances lasted decades. Brand names deserved their loyal customers. Reputations were hard earned and vigorously defended.
The “occupant” of “1600” is a personified manifestation of the trend away from these traits.