I finished my Christmas shopping earlier than usual this year. And a big percentage of it was online. With Amazon Prime I was able to get 2 day shipping on many last minute items. Once I was done, I realized I hadn't stepped a single foot into Radio Shack. Now I'm not saying I'm the difference between them making it or not making it but it's been in many financial reports that Radio Shack has financial troubles.
I've been a supporter of Radio Shack for many years. I learned a lot of my electronics knowledge from the Forrest Mims books. And Radio Shack is where I bought many of the parts for my projects when I was learning.
About 4 years ago, I was contacted by Radio Shack about my books. They were getting the FYI thing going and were looking to stock hobbyist electronics products. I was excited
About 4 years ago, I was contacted by Radio Shack about my books. They were getting the FYI thing going and were looking to stock hobbyist electronics products. I was excited
and filled out all the paper work they wanted and sent them samples of several of my books. I knew they were looking at carrying Arduino but I told them that they should also consider Microchip PIC products and my books supported those. I could tell they really didn't have a good grasp on PIC vs Arduino but my point was to not limit themselves to one micro. They already stocked a PIC Programmer kit from Vellemen so it seemed like a natural move. I had thoughts of conducting programming seminars for them. I offered to modify my books just for them using Radio Shack parts for projects.
Then they quit communicating with me. I sent emails and made calls but nobody got back to me. I still have no idea why they chose not to offer my books. And I was ready to give them outstanding reseller pricing because I wanted to help the Radio Shack DIY movement succeed.
So now I watch them update stores and try to sell accessories while they rely mostly on Arduino for DIY, which is tough to compete with all the clones on EBay and elsewhere. I've asked people working at the three stores near my home how the Arduino is selling and in each case they so its ok but not great.
So this year I finished my Christmas shopping and realized I never once thought about entering Radio Shack for Christmas gifts. It just never entered my thoughts. I guess they've lost me. I will still go in there to see what they have in the DIY section but I know they can't live on DIY alone. Maybe someone like Amazon will buy them out but at this point I think their days are numbered. I will miss them if they shutdown but having watched several electronics shops shut down near me in the last 10 years, it won't be that big of a deal. Besides, I get most of my stuff online now anyway. It's a better selection and much better pricing.
Then they quit communicating with me. I sent emails and made calls but nobody got back to me. I still have no idea why they chose not to offer my books. And I was ready to give them outstanding reseller pricing because I wanted to help the Radio Shack DIY movement succeed.
So now I watch them update stores and try to sell accessories while they rely mostly on Arduino for DIY, which is tough to compete with all the clones on EBay and elsewhere. I've asked people working at the three stores near my home how the Arduino is selling and in each case they so its ok but not great.
So this year I finished my Christmas shopping and realized I never once thought about entering Radio Shack for Christmas gifts. It just never entered my thoughts. I guess they've lost me. I will still go in there to see what they have in the DIY section but I know they can't live on DIY alone. Maybe someone like Amazon will buy them out but at this point I think their days are numbered. I will miss them if they shutdown but having watched several electronics shops shut down near me in the last 10 years, it won't be that big of a deal. Besides, I get most of my stuff online now anyway. It's a better selection and much better pricing.
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