RadioShack, the long-lasting American chain of shopper electronics shops, went bankrupt in 2017. However it was acquried by El Salvador’s Unicomer Group in Could 2023 and it’s again at CES 2025.
RadioShack had been a beloved model within the U.S. since 1921 and had greater than 8,000 shops at its peak in 1999. Now its new proprietor is pledging a comeback and is showcasing 380 merchandise at CES, the massive tech commerce present in Las Vegas this week.
RadioShack’s merchandise cowl gaming, audio, tech equipment, energy and batteries, cables, house and workplace options and journey necessities. Unicomer Group, which was as soon as certainly one of RadioShack’s largest and most profitable franchisees, is now the custodian of the corporate with a proud historical past. And it has a strategic imaginative and prescient for the longer term, the model is reconnecting with its roots whereas embracing trendy expertise to satisfy the wants of at this time’s shoppers.
Requested why the corporate acquired the model, Rudy Siman, president of RadioShack, stated in a message to GamesBeat, “We acquired the brand because, after managing its operations for more than eight years across Latin America and the Caribbean, we now have a solid model and volume base to build upon. Additionally, we have a capable team that is doing things right. Therefore, expanding our business volume into new territories—especially one as important as the United States—makes complete sense for us.”
As for the core benefit the corporate can supply, Siman stated, “Our value proposition is centered on delivering high-quality products across a wide range of categories at affordable prices. We’ve relaunched the brand in the market, providing customers with multiple product options under a trusted, quality brand. We are making these products available to consumers through various channels.”
He stated that on this preliminary part, the corporate will function shops by means of a third-party mannequin. RadioShack goals to companion with resellers and corporations fascinated with working the shops, he stated.
As an previous timer, I fondly keep in mind the Tandy TRS-80 pc, bought in RadioShack shops. It was the primary pc I used as a journalist whereas on the highway. I had to make use of these acoustic couplers that connected the pc to a phone, and it made these bizarre noises because it linked to the newsroom so I may file tales.
At CES, RadioShack will current a number of its core and most progressive merchandise, designed to satisfy the wants of contemporary life. Highlights embody gaming tools, audio expertise corresponding to audio system, headsets and vintage-inspired audio, tech equipment, journey gear, well being and health merchandise, energy options, and different important devices for on a regular basis use.
“RadioShack has always been a pioneer in the tech space, and our return to CES marks an exciting chapter in our journey,” stated Simon. “We are thrilled to share our latest innovations and reconnect with our customers who trust us to provide high-quality, accessible technology.”
As a part of its re-emergence, RadioShack is dedicated to creating expertise inexpensive and accessible to all. At present, the model boasts over 500 product choices throughout 17 totally different classes and is growing a portfolio of over 1,000 RadioShack merchandise for the US market.
Having bought greater than two million items yearly throughout a number of markets and with plans to double its choices by the tip of 2025, the model affirms its trusted repute within the tech trade.
The corporate has a sales space on the Las Vegas Conference Middle throughout CES at South Corridor 1, Sales space 31118, and it’s searching for resellers.
RadioShack filed for its first chapter in 2015, when it nonetheless had 4,300 shops. It filed once more in 2017.
Unicomer Group acquired the RadioShack franchise in El Salvador in January 1998, increasing the enterprise in over 25 international locations all through Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This profitable acquisition allowed RadioShack to proceed its legacy because the go-to vacation spot for shopper
tech wants in each nation it operates.
Now, Unicomer Group continues to broaden RadioShack’s world footprint and has acquired RadioShack’s mental property property and domains in additional than 70 international locations together with america, ushering in a home return for the legacy model.