3 ms·

Radioshack, want to save you business? Turn every single one of your stores into a hackerspace. You don't even need much. Get a laser cutter, a 3D printer, a

by blhack 12y ago

Radioshack, want to save you business? Turn every single one of your stores into a hackerspace. You don't even need much. Get a laser cutter, a 3D printer, a drill press, free WiFi, some tables, and a stack of arduinos and you'll be doing awesome. Then build an instructables-esque community website for people to show off their projects. I'll even consult with you guys on this if you make a big enough donation to the hackerspace I help run in Phoenix.

spiritplumber 12y ago
I tried to tell this to the RS closest to my home, they won't. I even offered to give them a 3d printer for two months to try, they won't. The manager there told me that the electronics stuff is basically overhead, they're there to sell phones 11 months a year and RC cars in December. The funny part is, the guy is a hardcore libertarian.
- Roboprog 12y ago
  I suspect he is telling you the truth, that most of their net revenue comes from phones and toys. It's risky to change to something that sounds like a current loss leader as the primary business, even if in reality there is a significantly different emphasis. Sadly, the opportunity costs of running a 2nd rate phone store must suck. Sounds like it would be more profitable to use the space to make and sell hamburgers or pizza. Hmmm. Maybe they could have a "maker" workshop that also sells pizza and beer???
Throwaway12928 12y ago
Too niche, not enough profits. My Radioshack plan... 1. Sell off all the inventory. 2. Rebrand, lose the name Radioshack because it's the definition of cheaply made, overpriced garbage. It's embarrassing to even be seen in that store. 3. Go with a minimalistic store layout, like the Apple store (http://cdn.iphonehacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/AppleRetailStore.jpg http://cdn.iphonehacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/AppleR...), because existing stores look like a warehouse or junkyard. Carry higher end phones, tablets, ebook readers, laptops, headphones and accessories. 4. Sell some cables and things cheap to get people in the door. Instead of selling an HDMI cable for $100, sell it for $5, so people walk in the door, and don't feel like they're being screwed over. Then, when they're inside, they can play around with the expensive hardware, and potentially walk away with a tablet.

by blhack 12y ago

spiritplumber 12y ago

I tried to tell this to the RS closest to my home, they won't. I even offered to give them a 3d printer for two months to try, they won't. The manager there told me that the electronics stuff is basically overhead, they're there to sell phones 11 months a year and RC cars in December. The funny part is, the guy is a hardcore libertarian.

Roboprog 12y ago
I suspect he is telling you the truth, that most of their net revenue comes from phones and toys. It's risky to change to something that sounds like a current loss leader as the primary business, even if in reality there is a significantly different emphasis. Sadly, the opportunity costs of running a 2nd rate phone store must suck. Sounds like it would be more profitable to use the space to make and sell hamburgers or pizza. Hmmm. Maybe they could have a "maker" workshop that also sells pizza and beer???

Throwaway12928 12y ago

Too niche, not enough profits. My Radioshack plan... 1. Sell off all the inventory. 2. Rebrand, lose the name Radioshack because it's the definition of cheaply made, overpriced garbage. It's embarrassing to even be seen in that store. 3. Go with a minimalistic store layout, like the Apple store (http://cdn.iphonehacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/AppleRetailStore.jpg http://cdn.iphonehacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/AppleR...), because existing stores look like a warehouse or junkyard. Carry higher end phones, tablets, ebook readers, laptops, headphones and accessories. 4. Sell some cables and things cheap to get people in the door. Instead of selling an HDMI cable for $100, sell it for $5, so people walk in the door, and don't feel like they're being screwed over. Then, when they're inside, they can play around with the expensive hardware, and potentially walk away with a tablet.