wow, Radio Shaft downsizing

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 17 Feb 2006 1:38 pm

I just read that Radio Shack is planning to close 400-700 stores. Don't you just love to look at all the cool stuff hanging on the hooks?
Of course, it doesn't compare to a trip to Home Depot, but what does, LOL.

Ron[This message was edited by Ron Victoria on 17 February 2006 at 01:44 PM.]

Larry Hamilton · Post by **Larry Hamilton** » 17 Feb 2006 9:07 pm

The International Steel Guitar Show, the Texas Steel Guitar Jamboree, Mesa,Az, show or most any steel guitar function where there is vendors and manufacturers. I look at the same stuff over and over. I love it.
don't get me wrong, I love tools and radio Shack but I love steel guitar more. It's just me.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 17 Feb 2006 11:29 pm

Rat Shack has changed so much over the years.

You used to be able to get electronic parts, tubes, etc.

Now it's phones, toys, a few tools and security systems. I've tried to get service on one of their security systems for FOUR monts and finally got a reply today - that my message would be transferred to customer service.

It's the pits. I really (after resolving this deal) have zero reason to do business with them again.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 18 Feb 2006 3:42 am

Jim's right, it's been more like "RonCo Shack" for 20 years. It's merely a toy and gadget store now. Even at their prime, they fell short in quality on just about everything they sold. Allied and Lafayette stores were where I spent many happy hours buying and browsing when I was younger. They carried good quality stuff, and catered to the experimenter/home electronics enthusiast.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 18 Feb 2006 3:48 am

NOt a big loss. Usually, you can get what Radio Shack is selling someplace else for less. Since they are mostly a "consumer" product store, as previouslyh mentioned, and not a "parts" store they are no longer unique.

There was a recent thread that hashed over the "new" Radio Shack's.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 18 Feb 2006 4:47 am

Last time I went into a radio shake, I went in to get a 1/4" jack splitter so that run my steel into two amps.

1. No one in the store knew anything about chords or chord splitters. They guy kept pulling up rca jacks, I kept saying, that's not a 1/4 inch jack. He said, I don't anything about chords.
2. They didn't have it anyway. They said you'd need to go a larger radio shack to find something like that.
3. There was plenty of junk that you can find cheaper and in more variety at the Best Buy, or just about any other electronics store.
4. I vowed never to go into a radio shake again.

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 20 Feb 2006 5:42 pm

There are 5 stores within a 10 minute walk from my apartment. Who on earth devised this business plan? Who is in charge!? (trick question since the CEO just got ditched for lying on his resume so whoever's in charge, it ain't him).

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 20 Feb 2006 6:43 pm

The CEO finally quit 'cause they found out he fibbed about his credentials. Aww... Gee... that's terrible...
(Probably not much different than me tellin' someone I can play the steel gitarrr...)

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 20 Feb 2006 6:46 pm

...5 stores within a 10 minute walk...Who on earth devised this business plan?

Well sometimes, franchises are sold just to generate money from the sale. The burden of success is more on the buyer of the local business than it is on the seller of the franchise rights. (It's not his fault you're a bad businessman!) Many franchises are doomed from the start because the only "business plan" was to sell some sucker a franchise.