This has been a long time coming and now it's official. RadioShack simply couldn't keep up with internet stores that let you get whatever electronic parts you needed.
Given the nature of RadioShack's horrifically outdated business model, dinosaurs like JCP and Sears seem to be next in line for bankruptcy.
A few months ago, one of the writers at SB Nation wrote an article about his experiences working at Radio Shack. After reading that article, I was surprised that they were still in business. Their demise has been a long time coming.
They tried for too long to be something they were not. When I think Radio Shack, I think of a place where I (used to) go to get misc cables and electronics repair stuff, not off brand electronics and cell phones.
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I imagine Best Buy will be one of the next to go the way of the dinosaur. There have been multiple times in the past few years were I have gone into a Best Buy to find something they *really should* carry, only to be told they don't (including: Wireless Keyboard/Mouse, USB Bluetooth dongle, any kind of computer part). They basically sell TVs, cell phones, and videogames/DVDs.
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I imagine Best Buy will be one of the next to go the way of the dinosaur. There have been multiple times in the past few years were I have gone into a Best Buy to find something they *really should* carry, only to be told they don't (including: Wireless Keyboard/Mouse, USB Bluetooth dongle, any kind of computer part). They basically sell TVs, cell phones, and videogames/DVDs.
They've definitely been trying to modernize, but they've been doing it poorly.
Staples is an interesting case, because stores 'specialize'. Some specialize in printers and electronics, while others don't. I guess that's what happens when you open a store every other block.
They've definitely been trying to modernize, but they've been doing it poorly.
Staples is an interesting case, because stores 'specialize'. Some specialize in printers and electronics, while others don't. I guess that's what happens when you open a store every other block.
Maybe it's just my needs/expectations, but I think the only thing I've actually bought from Best Buy in the past 8 or so years was a single PS3 controller. Meanwhile, I've dropped over a grand at MicroCenter on assorted computer parts, peripherals, and other electronics.
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Radio Shack hasn't sold electronics (meaning resistors, capacitors, etc.) in over a decade. Their reason for existing is not there, and now they were basically "the phone store". If I want to lock myself into an awful contract for a generic phone, I'll go directly to the source. Radio shack was, essentially, an unnecessary and unneeded middleman.
On the Best Buy topic -- yes, it's on its way out too. I used to be able to go in to best buy and peruse a ton of dvd's. Now, they have about 1 and a half shelves. If I don't want overpriced low quality "high end" tv's and stereos, they don't have anything to sell me.
On the Best Buy topic -- yes, it's on its way out too. I used to be able to go in to best buy and peruse a ton of dvd's. Now, they have about 1 and a half shelves. If I don't want overpriced low quality "high end" tv's and stereos, they don't have anything to sell me.
This must be a regional thing because the Best Buys here in SW Ohio have only one row of CDs (naturally), but a really up-to-date section of movies and TV shows (five plus rows), including seasons and/or box sets.
Unfortunately for me, the majority of which are Blu-Ray... I AM NOT going to buy the same movies in Blu-Ray; I've already bought the DVD versions I previously had on VHS, so I'm not going to fully convert again until I absolutely have to.
Now I know how music fanatics felt/feel = going from Vinyl, to cassette tapes, to compact discs, to digital music.. how many times can one buy the same movie or album before "enough is enough"?
Of course if you LOVE said movie or album, then go ahead in own it in every medium possible... but I think you get my gist.
And of course, I'm wildly off-topic.
Radio Shack = surprised its lasted this long, although I know its been on the verge for awhile now. But yeah... they really missed the boat. They were a "go to" place at one time. They didn't adapt to the every changing technological times we live in.
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I dont think JCP will be going anywhere. I shop there all the time.... online. Their online presence is pretty good and the clothes buying experience on Amazon or the like is pretty abysmal.
People use BestBuy to get information. Then they look online to buy it elsewhere.
Which is atrocious, since the employees at Best Buy know next to nothing and peddle middle of the road electronics as being "high end". Best Buy is probably the *last* place I would want to go to for information about anything.
Radio Shack was outmoded. Their prices were always too high, they never had the right things in store, and their customer service was atrocious. 10 years ago, I could get anything I wanted, but they started selling more junk every year making themselves look more like a Big Lots or something and selling less components that was the backbone of the company since its founding.
Radio Shack = surprised its lasted this long, although I know its been on the verge for awhile now. But yeah... they really missed the boat. They were a "go to" place at one time. They didn't adapt to the every changing technological times we live in.
Yep, I went there for misc cords, plugs, adapters, converters, etc for audio/visual stuff.
Which is atrocious, since the employees at Best Buy know next to nothing and peddle middle of the road electronics as being "high end". Best Buy is probably the *last* place I would want to go to for information about anything.
I'm right there with you. Most of the people whom I have seen do this are older generation who do not use the interest a whole lot to research and rather than a physical look/feel to what they are/would buy.
I dont think JCP will be going anywhere. I shop there all the time.... online. Their online presence is pretty good and the clothes buying experience on Amazon or the like is pretty abysmal.
I love JCPenney's sales. I would be sad to see it go. Hate Sears, though.
JCPenney's not actually comparable to Sears, Bestbuy, or Radioshack. Those are businesses where their entire business models are showing weakness. There is still a place for department stores like Macy's or Kohl's, however.
JCPenney can still survive. It just needs to revamp its image and merchandise.
Most of the Radios Shacks I've been to near me still have the electronics parts, but they are in a closed cabinet that is very easy to miss while looking around the store.
As for Best Buy, their business model has always been to push the service contracts. They make far more money off of the service contracts than they do from the items covered by those contracts. I have been told some extremely ridiculous lies by Best Buy salespeople trying to get me to purchase their service contract.
As for Best Buy, their business model has always been to push the service contracts. They make far more money off of the service contracts than they do from the items covered by those contracts. I have been told some extremely ridiculous lies by Best Buy salespeople trying to get me to purchase their service contract.
The contracts provide the largest profit margins of anything they sell in the store. Keep in mind that the salespeople are probably pushed very hard to sell those contracts with every piece of junk they sell and are likely just doing what is asked of them (I've been in their position, it sucks being asked to sell something you don't necessarily believe in).
This has been a long time coming and now it's official. RadioShack simply couldn't keep up with internet stores that let you get whatever electronic parts you needed.
Given the nature of RadioShack's horrifically outdated business model, dinosaurs like JCP and Sears seem to be next in line for bankruptcy.
― Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential
I will always firmly stand by the belief that Magic is a game first and a collectable second.
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They've definitely been trying to modernize, but they've been doing it poorly.
Staples is an interesting case, because stores 'specialize'. Some specialize in printers and electronics, while others don't. I guess that's what happens when you open a store every other block.
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Maybe it's just my needs/expectations, but I think the only thing I've actually bought from Best Buy in the past 8 or so years was a single PS3 controller. Meanwhile, I've dropped over a grand at MicroCenter on assorted computer parts, peripherals, and other electronics.
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Radio Shack hasn't sold electronics (meaning resistors, capacitors, etc.) in over a decade. Their reason for existing is not there, and now they were basically "the phone store". If I want to lock myself into an awful contract for a generic phone, I'll go directly to the source. Radio shack was, essentially, an unnecessary and unneeded middleman.
On the Best Buy topic -- yes, it's on its way out too. I used to be able to go in to best buy and peruse a ton of dvd's. Now, they have about 1 and a half shelves. If I don't want overpriced low quality "high end" tv's and stereos, they don't have anything to sell me.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
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This must be a regional thing because the Best Buys here in SW Ohio have only one row of CDs (naturally), but a really up-to-date section of movies and TV shows (five plus rows), including seasons and/or box sets.
Unfortunately for me, the majority of which are Blu-Ray... I AM NOT going to buy the same movies in Blu-Ray; I've already bought the DVD versions I previously had on VHS, so I'm not going to fully convert again until I absolutely have to.
Now I know how music fanatics felt/feel = going from Vinyl, to cassette tapes, to compact discs, to digital music.. how many times can one buy the same movie or album before "enough is enough"?
Of course if you LOVE said movie or album, then go ahead in own it in every medium possible... but I think you get my gist.
And of course, I'm wildly off-topic.
Radio Shack = surprised its lasted this long, although I know its been on the verge for awhile now. But yeah... they really missed the boat. They were a "go to" place at one time. They didn't adapt to the every changing technological times we live in.
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Which is atrocious, since the employees at Best Buy know next to nothing and peddle middle of the road electronics as being "high end". Best Buy is probably the *last* place I would want to go to for information about anything.
Yep, I went there for misc cords, plugs, adapters, converters, etc for audio/visual stuff.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
Only EDH:
Sigarda, Host of Herons: Enchantress' Enchantments
Jenara, Asura of War: ETB Value Town
Purphoros, God of the Forge: Global Punishment
Xenagos, God of Revels: Ramp, Sneak, & Heavy Hitters
Ghave, Guru of Spores: Dies_to_Doom_Blade's stax list
Edric, Spymaster of Trest: Donald's list
I'm right there with you. Most of the people whom I have seen do this are older generation who do not use the interest a whole lot to research and rather than a physical look/feel to what they are/would buy.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
Only EDH:
Sigarda, Host of Herons: Enchantress' Enchantments
Jenara, Asura of War: ETB Value Town
Purphoros, God of the Forge: Global Punishment
Xenagos, God of Revels: Ramp, Sneak, & Heavy Hitters
Ghave, Guru of Spores: Dies_to_Doom_Blade's stax list
Edric, Spymaster of Trest: Donald's list
I love JCPenney's sales. I would be sad to see it go. Hate Sears, though.
JCPenney's not actually comparable to Sears, Bestbuy, or Radioshack. Those are businesses where their entire business models are showing weakness. There is still a place for department stores like Macy's or Kohl's, however.
JCPenney can still survive. It just needs to revamp its image and merchandise.
Their real problem is that they kept trying to be a cheap Best Buy rather than electronics version of Home Depot.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
As for Best Buy, their business model has always been to push the service contracts. They make far more money off of the service contracts than they do from the items covered by those contracts. I have been told some extremely ridiculous lies by Best Buy salespeople trying to get me to purchase their service contract.
The contracts provide the largest profit margins of anything they sell in the store. Keep in mind that the salespeople are probably pushed very hard to sell those contracts with every piece of junk they sell and are likely just doing what is asked of them (I've been in their position, it sucks being asked to sell something you don't necessarily believe in).
Future Shop just went out up here as well, more Best Buy sales then...
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