[Coco] RadioShack is back. Again.

[bester at adamswells.com]

On 2024-08-06 9:36 am, Allen Huffman via Coco wrote:
> The entity that ran Radio Shacks in some non-US part of the world has 
> acquired the US Radio Shack. They have started the website back, and 
> are active of social media.
> 
> Sadly, their product lineup is missing all the classic RadioShack 
> electronics and such - focusing on ear buds, power banks, etc.
> 
> But because Radio Shack, I used their 15% discount code and ordered a 
> duffle bag.
> 
> This is the first purchase I have made from Radio Shack in about four 
> years - and back then it was the Radio Shack section inside a Hobby 
> Town store down the road from my work.
> 
> I see they are also taking applications for brick and mortar dealer 
> stores, as reported by someone in a Radio Shack Facebook group.
> 
> I hope they at least lean in to the brands on retro shirts and stuff, 
> like the last owner did.

I have been following this story for quite awhile. I was a salesmaker 
back in the 80s. In part due to my long held interest in Radio Shack 
itself, but mostly out of a desire to sell Color Computers. After all 
those years, I'd love to see a return to the store I knew. I do believe 
that all of the interest in everything retro would welcome a return of a 
modern CoCo

There's still a local Radio Shack franchise in my town. I'm not sure 
what that really means. They carry some Radio Shack merchandise, but I'm 
told by other people that what we are seeing is really old stock as the 
franchise doesn't really exist any longer - No one is packaging 
anything. All of the force feed that lined our stores isn't even on 
their website. Connectors. Resistors. Capacitors. ICs.

The store recently removed their Radio Shack sign. I really want to ask 
them why, but I'm afraid I might know the answer already: I think they 
have to re-buy their way back into the franchise, and they might not see 
any benefit. Too expensive when all they have to offer is a few generic 
accessories with the logo printed on them.

I'd love to see that RetroCoCo turn up. And some of those 300-in-1 
electronics kits. Could always appreciate the convenience of picking up 
a spool of solder, or even a replacement soldering tip. But will we see 
the return of the component stereo?