Radioshack really needs an identity overhaul. Today when I was in there buying a couple of 3.5mm mono plugs, it occurred to me, "thank god for Radioshack" because honestly, this really is the only store where it's possible to buy many of these odds and ends type pieces and parts. Without Radioshack, I'm left with amazon or other online shops, but sometimes you're knee deep in a project and you just REALLY want to go to a store and get your part NOW. Not to mention that sometimes you need to sort of eyeball some of the stuff up close to make sure it is in-fact what you're looking for. I remember a time when Radioshack was heralded for being just this type of store. Somewhere along their way it seems like they lost their way and tried very hard to be some sort of mini Best Buy, selling TV's, Phones, and phone accessories. All the while, the aisles for parts and such got smaller and smaller. A lot of people these days sort of ask "what really is Radioshack's purpose/angle?". The current form of the store really seems pointless, and if the executives can't see that then it's just destined to fail. They need to get back to their roots.. They need to be a more "techy" version of Sharper Image. Have the store filled with fun gizmos, project kits, tons of parts, books, etc.. There are all sorts of RC Drones with cameras, games that use actual brainwave control, oh and how about bringing back a healthier assortment of hobbiest type radios! As I see it, Radioshack is about in a position to make a hail-Mary pass right now. They might as well just scrap the entire current model and try something entirely new (or a fusion of new and their actual roots).
*Radio Shack Store Closing Thread* All posts about Radio Shack closing go here.
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That's a reasonable expectation, but since they are unable to bring anything new to the party, I would expect them to fail at that, as well.
As I recall, a few years ago they tried to appeal to the "Maker" community and that just didn't catch on. Perhaps there just aren't enough "makers" (of any stripe) to sustain a brick-and-mortar store.
I'm more inclined to think that what they tried just wasn't all that appealing.
w2xq
Mentor
$RSH closed at $0.30 today. It was revealed a few days ago that the new interim CFO owns no shares of the company -- really shows a commitment -- and today news broke that the chief marketing officer has left. To the Perry Como tune "Catch a Falling Star", err, knife... hum the tune...
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ra...g-officer-jennifer-warren-has-left-2014-12-18
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ra...g-officer-jennifer-warren-has-left-2014-12-18
Earlier today I visited a location today near Orlando, FL. As soon as I walked in an employee asked what I was looking for. I told him I was going to pick up some BNC cables. With a perplexed look on his face he asked, "BNC?"
Today he learned where the BNC cables were in his store, what they're for, and how to identify the male or female end.
I'm not even kidding.
Today he learned where the BNC cables were in his store, what they're for, and how to identify the male or female end.
I'm not even kidding.
I totally believe you. I'm to the point that when I need something, I print it off the website, take the printout in with me, tell the employee "Here, I need this," and give them the printout. Sometimes it takes three employees to find it. :roll:
Went to our local mall a couple days ago and went by Radio Shack.They were still open but most of the shelves were half empty. RS employee said they were closing.
Went to the Gainesville Mall today and the Radio Shacks doors were shut with a sign directing customers to another Radio Shack that was several miles away.
I have a friend that has worked at Radio Shack for several years and he said it doesn't look good. I can tell he was serious... felt bad for him.
Went to the Gainesville Mall today and the Radio Shacks doors were shut with a sign directing customers to another Radio Shack that was several miles away.
I have a friend that has worked at Radio Shack for several years and he said it doesn't look good. I can tell he was serious... felt bad for him.
mainetrunk
Member
Wow, and here it is. Incredible.
RadioShack Closing Stores In Turnaround - Business Insider
RadioShack Closing Stores In Turnaround - Business Insider
I know there closing down one of ours. Worst part is they were one of the best for instock scanners.
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We have two in my town. One is staying open, and the one in the mall is becoming a clearance store. Anyone else have a clearance store? Will I be able to find some deals on scanners?
nosig55
Member
At the RS around here, near Kansas City, they are going to be clearance stores that will not sell high end items like scanners. At the local store the guy said 9 district managers were let go. He said 2015 will be the year RS makes it or not.
During the past two months CNN published a few stories about RadioShack's difficulties. The current belief is that RS will be unable to postpone bankruptcy beyond the end of January due to the decline in customer traffic that occurs after the holidays.
RadioShack still stuck in the 1980s - Nov. 24, 2014
RadioShack still stuck in the 1980s - Nov. 24, 2014
I'm in Wheaton, IL...a western suburb of Chicago. we used to have two RS stores in town. was in the one on north main street just the other day and noticed that the floor plan was much different. got to talking with the clerk who told me that the other RS on the south side of Wheaton was closed and that this store was now a "Radio Shack Outlet". he added that the RS in Bloomingdale, IL was now the "primary RS" for the area and that whatever hasn't sold at that store is discounted 25% and moved to the Wheaton outlet store. we had another close-by RS in Glen Ellyn, IL but the clerk told me that store is open 'sporadically' since they are down to 1 employee.
sad to see what the mighty RS has become. I worked for Tandy many, many moons ago helping a buddy open a new store in Glenwood, IL. dog radios, battery cards, SPIFS...I remember it well.
I remember those battery cards lol. Went through a few myself.
osros
Member
Its a shame RS has not been the same in a long time one of the reasons I stop buying from them. But I think they over extended themselves anyway too many stores in the first place and changing with the times to little to late. Its hard to compete with Amazon and such. I find it easier to find what I need from Amazon or direct ordering online than getting it at a local RS. Have one RS in town looks like still doing okay no signs of closing yet.
I also used to be big on Bestbuy but even they seem to be not stocking as much stuff in stores I used to be interested in, so Bestbuy has no draw for me anymore either when I want a TV or Camera I guess I will go but all the fun stuff seems to be moving out of the stores.
Right now my fav store is Frys, that place is dangerous! Only reason I have not gone broke yet is its a 120 mile round trip.
I also used to be big on Bestbuy but even they seem to be not stocking as much stuff in stores I used to be interested in, so Bestbuy has no draw for me anymore either when I want a TV or Camera I guess I will go but all the fun stuff seems to be moving out of the stores.
Right now my fav store is Frys, that place is dangerous! Only reason I have not gone broke yet is its a 120 mile round trip.
Quck parts
Radio Shack needs to become a place where you run out to get something you need quick.
Cables, power strips, extension cords, connectors, indoor hdtv antennas.
Maybe even start carrying some electrical stuff, duplexes, wall switches, wall covers, 50' packs of romex, etc.
The stuff that you need when you get halfway thru a project at home and need to run out and grab something to finish it.
The Shack will never beat on-line stores or Best Buy on the price of phones or TV's or stereos.
And I don't know about anything else, but the Shack is the last place I think of when I want to buy a remote controlled toy.
Radio Shack needs to become a place where you run out to get something you need quick.
Cables, power strips, extension cords, connectors, indoor hdtv antennas.
Maybe even start carrying some electrical stuff, duplexes, wall switches, wall covers, 50' packs of romex, etc.
The stuff that you need when you get halfway thru a project at home and need to run out and grab something to finish it.
The Shack will never beat on-line stores or Best Buy on the price of phones or TV's or stereos.
And I don't know about anything else, but the Shack is the last place I think of when I want to buy a remote controlled toy.
Yeah, but how many people...especially people under, say, 40?.....are going to "run out" to get something like a connector? For some type of "project," no less? It's already been shown and proven that we are raising a "disposable society," who, when something doesn't work, or even doesn't work right, throw it out. A college professor somewhere did a study showing that no one in college today can fix ANYTHING, much less fix and test electrical things. They don't even know how to use a hammer correctly, much less wire up an antenna.
Those who do have a "closet" interest in repairing things and building equipment, buy on-line.
RS long ago outlasted its usefulness.
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