[Coco] Tandy Electronics??!!

[Dave G4UGM]

Some one already owned the "Radio Shack" trading name in the UK when Tandy opened up their stores, so they traded as Tandy. Other than the name change, and some localization of product, the stores were virtually identical to their US counterparts. The stores all closed when Tandy Corp. decided they couldn't make a profit in the UK. I don't think the UK is a big deal for most US corporations. In general, for most goods the UK market is only about the size of a small to medium sized US state, so its loss isn't often a big deal.

Dave
G4UGM

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Coco [mailto:coco-bounces at maltedmedia.com] On Behalf Of Allen
> Huffman
> Sent: 01 January 2015 22:14
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
> Subject: Re: [Coco] Tandy Electronics??!!
> 
> > On Jan 1, 2015, at 2:22 PM, Chad H <chadbh74 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > In searching online for a 3-way DIP switch replacement for my EPROM
> > board jumpers, I stumbled upon this link.
> >
> > http://www.tandyonline.co.uk/3-way-dip-switch.html
> >
> > Any relation to the Tandy we know??
> 
> 
> This is cool. And it does appear, from the 1980s photo, maybe their "Tandy"
> font in the 80s over there was the Radio Shack font here. Was the term
> "Radio Shack" just not known in the UK? I wondered why they went by
> different names.
> 
> For those who don't wanna click, here is what they say -- indeed, a relaunch
> as a premier online electronics source. Radio Shack totally could have tried
> this in the U.S. to compete with Digikey, etc. but then you'd have the issue of
> a part online being .20 and one locally in the parts rack being 2.20.
> 
> I also realized: Radio Shack could do something like stock LED Light bulbs just
> above cost, like a loss-leader 0 profit thing, as the future that would be in
> EVERY house. If they could do that at a price lower than Home Depot,
> Walmart, etc. and be THE source to upgrade all the light bulbs (it is tech after
> all!), that would be one way to get everyone in :)
> 
> Here's the About text -- interesting!
> 
> -----
> Tandy has been the home of electronics since 1973 when the first UK Tandy
> shop opened to serve the needs of electronics enthusiasts and hobbyists.
> Today at Tandy we are returning to those original roots that made Tandy a
> leading electronics brand throughout the UK.
> 
> If you love electronics then you will love our online store.
> 
> Recently there has been a strong resurgence of interest in hobby electronics
> and general hobby construction. With the Internet making it easier than ever
> for people to find interesting projects and to collaborate with others who
> share the same interests. With the maker scene expanding and the number
> of open community development tools growing daily the possibilities are
> almost endless.
> 
> Our products range from simple components like resistors and LEDs to ready-
> to-build kits and development boards. We search out and select the most
> useful components you may need, making it easier for you to create
> awesome projects at affordable prices. We follow carefully the latest
> developments in electronics and technology and are continually adding to
> our range so we can bring you the items you want.
> 
> We are passionate about bringing you the pieces to make your electronics
> and DIY projects possible and are always keen to hear from customers with
> suggestions for new products.
> 
> Don't forget ordering is easy, no hidden charges and no minimum order
> value. Any order any size delivered for just £1 using our standard delivery.
> 
> At Tandy, we care for our customers. Place your order today and have fun
> creating.
> 
> 
> From all of us at Tandy - Thank you for your support!
> 
> Darren Grant
> Chief Executive
> 
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