It pains me a bit to see RadioShack suffering so (see No new bidders emerging in RadioShack’s bankruptcy as 2,000 stores face closure over at Geekwire). It doesn’t surprise me, just saddens me. As an electronics enthusiast growing up (back in the 70s and 80s) this was THE place to see stuff, to get your gear. I loved their electronics training kits, for instance.
There was one in Lynnwood right next to Wilcox Park off of 196th street; a rather quick jaunt from home. I would routinely ogle shortwave and HAM radio gear, various electronics kits, then the life-changing TRS 80. I coveted the affectionately titled “Trash 80” for some time. Well, until my father opted for one of the IBM clones on the market, which dwarfed the capabilities of the humble TRS. And my interest started to wane.
RadioShack lost their je ne sais quoi ages ago. I haven’t set foot in one in years. There were (and are) far better places to buy gear, especially computer gear. They failed to pivot at a crucial juncture and just can’t get their legs back under them. I fully expect this brand will die, whether a with a splendid crater or quietly vanishing into a sub-brand of Sprint remains to be seen. But I don’t see how it’s relevant anymore. Perhaps, just maybe, they can snap into the “maker” movement, but it’d need to happen NOW, as they’re behind. Thus, I doubt any such thing will materialize. So, in my heart-of-hearts, I bid this venerable icon adieu. May it rest in peace.
