RadioShack to Become "The Shack"

mcfly · 08-06-09, 07:49 PM

I don't have a link since I just saw it on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Apparently they want a new image, so they're changing it to "The Shack".

Sorry, but how are they even still open? I would've thought they would've been one of the first stores to close when the economy started tanking.

TallGuyMe · 08-06-09, 07:53 PM

I guess the word "radio" doesn't quite instill consumer confidence in a (supposedly) high-tech store.

..... although in retrospect, neither does "the shack"

jfoobar · 08-06-09, 07:55 PM

Yeah, this was in the news a few days ago. I guess they figure if it worked for "KFC", it can work for them.

All of the RS stores near me are in fairly low-rent strip malls and I can't remember the last time I saw one that had closed. I still use them now and again for various electronic odds and ends.

Supposedly, their strategic plan going forward will be to devote even more effort into mobile phone sales.

bwvanh114 · 08-06-09, 07:56 PM

Pizza Hut is now The Hut
Radio Shack is now The Shack

Apparently Taco Bell will be The Shits

Sigh. This feels like Idiocracy.

jfoobar · 08-06-09, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TallGuyMe

..... although in retrospect, neither does "the shack"

Yeah, I get a real Ted Kaczynski's cabin vibe.

big whoppa · 08-06-09, 08:01 PM

Whatever they are doing, they're doing right. They've been in business for ages and outlasted other giants like Circuit City and Comp USA.

X · 08-06-09, 08:01 PM

So they're removing "Rat" from their name?

DGibFen · 08-06-09, 08:10 PM

It would have been smarter had they renamed it "Da Shaq". Of course, they would be run out of business in LA, but that's a small price to pay.

Timber · 08-06-09, 08:30 PM

I honestly can't believe they're still around. Do they specialize in anything specific? All I really see in there is cell phones, and radio controlled cars.

bunkaroo · 08-06-09, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timber

I honestly can't believe they're still around. Do they specialize in anything specific? All I really see in there is cell phones, and radio controlled cars.

Maybe the battery club is still going strong.

Timber · 08-06-09, 08:38 PM

I got tired of making up address to give them in the mid 90's so I don't think I've purchased a thing from there since.

nickdawgy · 08-06-09, 08:43 PM

Everyone is trying to be so hip nowadays.

cardsfan111 · 08-06-09, 08:43 PM

I can't say I know for sure why they're still open. My only theory based on the one closest to me: It's not situated with all the other malls/retailers. The only times I've gone there is when I've needed one specific item and didn't want to go near the real high-traffic retail area.

crazyronin · 08-06-09, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timber

I honestly can't believe they're still around. Do they specialize in anything specific? All I really see in there is cell phones, and radio controlled cars.

If I need a 1N34A diode in a hurry, they were the go to place.

If they would only sell some 2000 ohm headsets, I would be happy.

covenant · 08-06-09, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big whoppa

Whatever they are doing, they're doing right. They've been business for ages and outlasted other giants like Circuit City and Comp USA.

Evidently also doing good enough to sponsor a pro cycling team, featuring you-know-who:

http://www.teamradioshack.com/getready/

...which will also be sponsored by Nike and Trek. That's heady company for a lowly electronics store.

VinVega · 08-06-09, 09:46 PM

What a horrible idea..."The Shack?"

calhoun07 · 08-06-09, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big whoppa

Whatever they are doing, they're doing right. They've been in business for ages and outlasted other giants like Circuit City and Comp USA.

That's because they have better trained employees, IMHO. Walking into one of those other bigger stores was like walking into a void if you didn't know exactly what you needed. I've found Radio Shack employees to be very knowledgeable about their products and very good in helping me find what suits my needs.

But, yeah..."The Shack" is a lousy name. Terrible is this idea.

Deftones · 08-06-09, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timber

I honestly can't believe they're still around. Do they specialize in anything specific? All I really see in there is cell phones, and radio controlled cars.

You must not live near small towns. They franchise them out to people in small towns that aren't big enough for a Wal-Mart or Best Buy. They can make a killing because half of their product (cable) has incredible markup.

Josh-da-man · 08-06-09, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by covenant

Evidently also doing good enough to sponsor a pro cycling team, featuring you-know-who:

http://www.teamradioshack.com/getready/

...which will also be sponsored by Nike and Trek. That's heady company for a lowly electronics store.

Radio Shack also sponsored the Rolling Stones Bigger Bang tour a couple of years ago.

Josh-da-man · 08-06-09, 11:05 PM

Even CEO can't figure out how Radio Shack still in business.

Quote:

"Even the name 'RadioShack'—can you imagine two less appealing words placed next to one another?" Day said. "What is that, some kind of World War II terminology? Are ham radio operators still around, even? Aren't we in the digital age?"

Quote:

"I'd like to capitalize on the store's strong points, but I honestly don't know what they are," Day said. "Every location is full of bizarre adapters, random chargers, and old boom boxes, and some sales guy is constantly hovering over you. It's like walking into your grandpa's basement. You always expect to see something cool, but it never delivers."

The Edit King · 08-06-09, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinVega

What a horrible idea..."The Shaq?"

reverie · 08-06-09, 11:13 PM

I'll add my voice to those wondering how they're still in business. Heck, I don't understand how they still have employees. I know someone who works for them, and it isn't pretty! As a "for example", they have a cell phone quota they have to reach.. and both he and the manager of his store have been close to being fired for not selling/pushing enough of them in a month.

The Edit King · 08-06-09, 11:20 PM

Here's yet another, 'They Suck' vote.

There's one right down the street from me but I'll actually drive miles to get something I need just to avoid the store & it's employees. It's like the sky darkens and I start to feel like an orphan when I drive past the place.

-No Shack for Old Theeks

dx23 · 08-07-09, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh-da-man

Even CEO can't figure out how Radio Shack still in business.

I was going to post that here. It's one of the funniest things from The Onion. And really, how the hell do they stay open? Everything they sell can be found everywhere else, even at Best Buy, much cheaper. The only thing I can think of is that the owners made a pact with the devil to keep the chain open for all eternity.

Heat · 08-07-09, 12:20 AM

Radio Shack is staying Radio Shack, they just want to be called "The Shack" and will be promoting that in their ads.

Kentucky Fried Chicken changed their name to KFC.

Pizza Hut toyed with the idea of changing their name to "The Hut", but are sticking with "Pizza Hut".

08-06-09, 07:49 PM	#1
mcfly DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: California Posts: 5,987	RadioShack to Become "The Shack" I don't have a link since I just saw it on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Apparently they want a new image, so they're changing it to "The Shack". Sorry, but how are they even still open? I would've thought they would've been one of the first stores to close when the economy started tanking. __________________ "I think, Lisa, that you've been taken in by an obvious forgery. Unfortunately, historical research is plagued by this sort of hoax -- the so-called confession. It's just as fake as the Howard Hughes will, the Hitler Diaries, or the Emancipation Retraction." *"You won't be seeing any prison movies where you're going - prison!"*

08-06-09, 07:53 PM	#2
TallGuyMe DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 5,058	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" I guess the word "radio" doesn't quite instill consumer confidence in a (supposedly) high-tech store. ..... although in retrospect, neither does "the shack"

08-06-09, 07:55 PM	#3
jfoobar DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 25,146	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" Yeah, this was in the news a few days ago. I guess they figure if it worked for "KFC", it can work for them. All of the RS stores near me are in fairly low-rent strip malls and I can't remember the last time I saw one that had closed. I still use them now and again for various electronic odds and ends. Supposedly, their strategic plan going forward will be to devote even more effort into mobile phone sales. __________________ "There's one thing that can be said for true losers. They're consistent to a degree that would suggest luck has little to do with it." -- Unknown

08-06-09, 07:56 PM	#4
bwvanh114 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,364	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" Pizza Hut is now The Hut Radio Shack is now The Shack Apparently Taco Bell will be The Shits Sigh. This feels like Idiocracy.

08-06-09, 08:01 PM	#6
big whoppa DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: May 2000 Location: Under Golden Gate Bridge Posts: 9,653	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" Whatever they are doing, they're doing right. They've been in business for ages and outlasted other giants like Circuit City and Comp USA. __________________ "I Choked Linda Lovelace" - on Joe Dirt's T-Shirt Last edited by big whoppa; 08-06-09 at 09:56 PM.

08-06-09, 08:01 PM	#7
X Administrator Join Date: Oct 1987 Posts: 6,086	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" So they're removing "Rat" from their name?

08-06-09, 08:10 PM	#8
DGibFen DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Louisville Posts: 5,152	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" It would have been smarter had they renamed it "Da Shaq". Of course, they would be run out of business in LA, but that's a small price to pay. __________________ PSN ID: DGibFen My collection PS3 Trophies

08-06-09, 08:30 PM	#9
Timber DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 4,519	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" I honestly can't believe they're still around. Do they specialize in anything specific? All I really see in there is cell phones, and radio controlled cars. __________________ "That's why the Black Guys like me"- Alison BB4

08-06-09, 08:38 PM	#11
Timber DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 4,519	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" I got tired of making up address to give them in the mid 90's so I don't think I've purchased a thing from there since. __________________ "That's why the Black Guys like me"- Alison BB4

08-06-09, 08:43 PM	#12
nickdawgy DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Southern Cal-ee-for-nee Posts: 15,624	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" Everyone is trying to be so hip nowadays.

08-06-09, 08:43 PM	#13
cardsfan111 DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 6,103	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" I can't say I know for sure why they're still open. My only theory based on the one closest to me: It's not situated with all the other malls/retailers. The only times I've gone there is when I've needed one specific item and didn't want to go near the real high-traffic retail area. __________________ 2010 DVD Spending Tab 2010 Rank 'Em As You See 'Em 2010 Academy Award Movie Challenge List My Countdown Counting down to: Cardinals Opening Day 21 days 9 hours 40 minutes

08-06-09, 09:46 PM	#16
VinVega Moderator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Stuck in the middle with you Posts: 21,466	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" What a horrible idea..."The Shack?" __________________ History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity. - Cicero

08-06-09, 11:13 PM	#22
reverie DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,144	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" I'll add my voice to those wondering how they're still in business. Heck, I don't understand how they still have employees. I know someone who works for them, and it isn't pretty! As a "for example", they have a cell phone quota they have to reach.. and both he and the manager of his store have been close to being fired for not selling/pushing enough of them in a month. __________________ "I'm thinking we'll rise again." -Malcolm Reynolds SERENITY You Can't Stop The Signal

08-06-09, 11:20 PM	#23
The Edit King Suspended Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: I'm Still Alive in Los Angeles Posts: 25,615	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" Here's yet another, 'They Suck' vote. There's one right down the street from me but I'll actually drive miles to get something I need just to avoid the store & it's employees. It's like the sky darkens and I start to feel like an orphan when I drive past the place. -No Shack for Old Theeks Last edited by The Edit King; 08-06-09 at 11:23 PM.

08-07-09, 12:20 AM	#25
Heat DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 14,188	Re: RadioShack to Become "The Shack" Radio Shack is staying Radio Shack, they just want to be called "The Shack" and will be promoting that in their ads. Kentucky Fried Chicken changed their name to KFC. Pizza Hut toyed with the idea of changing their name to "The Hut", but are sticking with "Pizza Hut".