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In Reply to: ever wonder how Rat Shack stays in business? (this is hilarious) posted by vega33 on April 23, 2007 at 13:15:39:
I've gone into Radio Shack probably on average 2 or 3 times a year since I was a young teenager.I used to get the new catalog every year and fantasize about the great selection of stereo gear. RadioShack, SuperScope and SoundDesign's colored LEDs, indicators and specifications filled my head, my dreams and my imagination. Couldn't wait till I could afford that stuff.
Over the last 35 years I can't imagine having spent more than a couple of hundred bucks total in the shop on oddball connectors, splitters, video cables, etc. Probably not even enough profit to cover the costs of the catalogs I used to so enjoy.
What do they sell and how in the heck can they possibly still be in business?
Follow Ups:
I remember spending many hours with that catalog.And I still spend $100 or so a year there for the odd adapter or a decent cable that I need now or a Skype headset or whatever. My local one closed down though, so they are on harder times. In talking to the sales rep at the store cross town, I learned they had closed several stores near by.
But while the big numbers are in the high ticket stuff, the profit is in that little stuff that I tend to buy. You're talking 70-80% margins versus 30-40%. Back in the old days, I always saw the same guys in the stores, always with a handful of parts for some project. I suppose some of them are still alive.
Best Buy isn't so much the problem as the speed that new technology becomes a commodity. Back in the old days, Radio Shack was fairly innovative and had a knack for seeing trends early. Take CB Radios and computers in the 70s. Remember the TRS-80. They owned the PC market for several years before IBM came out with the PC.
Now, iPods and iPhones are at Costco the first week of introduction.
If they can't hold on to knowledgeable staff, then they're doomed in the long run.....unless they find the next big thing.
-Rod
They're still big in scanners, land-line telephones, and odd sized batteries. My local shop is small, but has a very well thought small parts selection.I've never understood the slurring of the name, since I don't believe life would be better without them around.
............years ago. I still have a 3400 and it did sound pretty damn good in it's day. Used it mainly for portable use rather than a main player though.Remember all the niche products that popped up to make it better? The battery powered docking station from Sequera comes to mind. Awe the good ol' days :-)
Cheers,
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