[Coco] RadioShack closing 1100 stores

[Frank Swygert]

Well, looking at the CNN report, the only store they have listed that is 
remotely comparable to Radio Shack is AutoZone. I wouldn't compare them 
to convenience stores (Dollar General is more of a small department 
store, but in convenient locations) and big pharmacy/convenience stores. 
Apples and oranges for sure!

I don't feel for them. They haven't been a hobbyist store for a long 
time. They still carry some parts and pieces, but few. I don't know that 
they would have done as well as they have by catering to hobbyists and 
selling computers though. Selling their computer manufacturing and 
concentrating on retail sales was probably a smart move -- they sold 
while the manufacturing facilities were still worth something. I 
remember when the bottom fell out of the PC market and several 
manufacturers closed shop. So I call that a very timely move. This 
moving to cell phones is the thing I don't understand. Carrying them 
yes, but concentrating on them? Too many eggs in one basket!!

-- 
Frank Swygert
Editor - American Motors Cars Magazine
www.amc-mag.com