I don’t know why it happened, but you’ve changed.
Remember how we used to be: me, the clueless but determined techno-phobe, and you, my hero in all of your geeky, gadgetry glory? I fell hard and even lost my computer virginity to you. When you lied to me about it being impossible to fill the massive 640K memory of that Tandy TX1000, I forgave you because you were my First. If it weren’t for you, I’d still be typing on that ghastly word processor, the one that would zap me with an electrical shock whenever I attempted to change its ink cartridges.
Ah, those were the days, weren’t they? Remember when I was about to lose my mind over that obstinate dot-matrix printer? You alone had the critical cable I needed when all of the other stores let me down. You were the one who successfully dispelled my animosity toward print projects. Without you, I’d still be in therapy dealing with my printing issues.
Years later, when the kids arrived, I sought your help for one of those newfangled, state-of-the-art camcorders. Even though it was the size of a Buick, had to be purchased on a ninety-nine-year installment plan, and turned my husband into a lopsided hunchback, we were able to catch those first tentative baby steps of our oldest son. Our early family memories currently exist on rapidly degrading videotape thanks to you.
You were my salvation when it came to school projects. My oldest would’ve never passed that unit on electricity without using and learning from one of your pre-packaged circuitry kits. After running from hardware store to hardware store, finding deliverance among your accessories made me want to name my next child after you, or at the very least, write a nicely worded letter on actual stationery to your corporate headquarters.
You made me love you, Radio Shack, and I did, with a passion not directed toward other retail stores. As our relationship deepened, I knew that I could count on you when I needed a replacement plug, an electrical accessory, or a one-of-a-kind, can’t-find-them-this-side-of-Mars battery. If I needed a cable, an adapter, or an odd gadget of any kind, you were my go-to place.
Lately, all of that has changed. I find that I can’t depend on you. Even though I try to revive the connection that we had in the old days, I always seem to end up disappointed.
I needed a USB firewire for my iPod. You said you didn’t have one.
I needed to have my fax machine repaired. You told me you no longer offer repairs.
I needed a replacement AC adapter for one that the dog ate. You said that you don’t sell AC adapters.
I needed a battery for my cordless phone. You told me to (gasp!) try Wal-Mart.
Tonight, in spite of all of your previous rejections, I felt certain that you would have a replacement car antenna for my satellite radio receiver. After all, you do sell satellite radio supplies. Surely you would also sell the accompanying accessories. Alas, once again, it was not meant to be. I hope you didn’t see my tears when you told me that you don’t carry antennas and suggested that I buy one off of Amazon.
So that’s what our relationship has become; I’m passed off to other retailers as if I were just another obsolete DOS computer with used-up bytes. You make me feel dirty, and not in a good way.
I have needs, Radio Shack, and I’m tired of you leaving me feeling unsatisfied. I can tell that I’m no longer your target market. A girl can take a hint when she’s not wanted.
Believe me when I say that this is going to hurt me much more than it hurts you. Still, it has to be done.
I’m leaving you for Best Buy.
Comments
Freaky - I'd forgotten about that! You're right; you used to have to give them your name, address, and telephone number in order to buy anything.
Their phone services were all over the page in the past ten years. There was not carrier brand identification, was Radio Shack affiliated with Sprint? Att? Verizon? Alltel? T-Mobile? The whole company got so diluted, they remind me of a drowning man who grabs at anything close by, whether or not it will float.
I'll be sorry to see them go because I knew I could go there and get a split antenna or a specific cable that of course didn't come with whatever I had bought but should have.
I guess between the big box stores, the internet, and bluetooth they just couldn't survive.
RIP
Mr. Mustard - I love your comment! No doubt you are even eloquent in your sleep. :)
Screamin' Mama - I'm glad they still have something there that you're looking for. Of course, they're probably the same simple cables you can buy somewhere else, right?
Teddy - I remember hearing you talk about that computer. So it came from Radio Shack? Forget any support for it now. That's something else they no longer offer. It's such a shame they let the unique parts of them go and kept the commonness.
Steve - Antiques dealer! Actually, my fax machine gets used constantly. Much of my work comes to me by fax.
Lisa - Bwahaha! You sound as bad as I am. Still, where do we go now to find a proper nerd upbringing?
I tried RS myself about a month ago. They didn't have what I wanted, either. Didn't realize it was a trend.
If you think you're disappointed in Radio Shack, just think of us here in their hometown (Fort Worth). Disheartening to say the least. This link is to their interesting history.
http://www.radioshackcorporation.com/history.html
And, Lea, I not only remember carbon paper, but used to type multiple copies of legal documents (on 8.5 x 14 paper) using it. Talk about something you're glad to see gone!
Duuuuude. That was my first computer too!
Granted, I haven't been in it for two months. I feel your pain...may Best Buy treat you kindly!
Annette - Let me guess: you went there specifically thinking that Radio Shack would definitely have what you were looking for, right? It's so disappointing.
Lea - Ugh, carbon paper! I was cleaning out an old filing cabinet a few weeks ago and found some that has been there probably since 1985. Thank goodness those days are over.
Julie - Thanks for the link! After seeing a Google ad appear for RadioShack.com, I wonder if eventually they'll be strictly internet-based.
Ravingbits - It sounds like you have a better business plan in mind than they do. I would love a place like that. There seems to be so many ways that they can go, but settling on selling what everyone else already sells is just wrong.
Faith - Stop, you're waking up my Printer Anxiety.
Dr. Spud - Your comment made me laugh out loud! The China made stuff is for another rant.
Julie - You were lucky enough to miss dot-matrix? I'm jealous!
Mung - Did you get that same pitch too about NEVER being able to use up all of that memory in your Tandy TX1000?
Sheldon - Yes! What the heck was that about? I kept thinking they were going to need a blood sample next.
Buffy - Hang on to it. It's a sad, sad day when your local Radio Shack morphs into an unachieving version of Best Buy.
Roger - About the name...I spent hours looking for this on YouTube, but in the 80's, someone (I want to say it was Weird Al) made a song about Radio Shack to the tune of the B-52's "Love Shack." It was hysterical: "Radio Shack is a nerdy little place where, you can get con-nec-ted..." Damn copyrights!
Umbrella - Yes, that's it exactly. They've lost their niche and have instead embraced the mundane. I wish they'd go back to their roots and carry accessories again.
It boggles my mind how Radio Shack survives. Maybe I'm missing something but I find it hard to believe that there is anything i could find at RS that I couldn't find a better selection of at better prices somewhere else.
weird, creepy store.
Fins - Pricing is an issue now, too. They sell the same stuff that everyone else sells but at a higher price. What good is that?
Gary - I watched a YouTube video last night that showed an old Tandy TX1000 booting up. Ah, memories!
Sweetfeet - Best Buy intimidates me but I guess I'm going to have to get over it since Radio Shack keeps disappointing me.
JK - I didn't know Bell was in Canada! Hoo boy. No way can that merger end well. P. S. Thanks for the compliment. :)
Cap'n - I know, I know. I tried to avoid it, but mama needs a new antenna.
bluesurly - I did see a lot of cell phones when I was in there. Maybe that's their new niche and they're going to compete with the carrier's phone stores?
MB - I was sad to see Circuit City close. Almost all of my appliances came from there. I guess Best Buy is at the top of the food chain now.
Bob - I wish I lived near you. It sounds like Strawflower is a dependable source. Here's hoping they stay in business and start selling franchises on the East Coast.
Nelly - You're kidding...they actually had a specialized item like that? Maybe all hope isn't lost.
Silkstone - I wonder if their merchandise varies according to location. Ours doesn't have any of that stuff any more. Thanks to my Google ads, I now know that they have a website. Maybe its inventory is better stocked.
They do have great quality control though. They have people stationed at the end of every assembly line meticulously examining every piece for quality. And if they ever stumble across it they immediately fire the poor sap who slipped it in there.
Then something happened, it happened also years ago, Radio Shack slipped out of this and that, I was like, oh no, but I still went, they still had electronics, then they slipped even further until we stand here today, they sell Cell phones.
That's it, my local RS should rename themselves CellPhoneAShack.
I haven't been in one for a few years now, but I pass the one in my local mall and I cry. Some folks see me and they understand too...
R.I.P. RADIOSHACK----LONG LIVE CELLPHONEASHACK
mamoore - If those senior citizens are looking for cellphones, then they're in luck. That's pretty much what they cell these days.
Jimmy - From what I can see at my local store, only cellphones, GPS units, and two (TWO!) satellite radio receivers (not the antennas, just the receivers.) It's the end of an era for sure.
Mr. E - I like the idea that they care about quality, but do they still manufacture any of their own products these days?
Kelly - I just wish they would ask the CUSTOMERS. Have a focus group or a panel discussion. Find out what people associate with the name "Radio Shack." Build on their reputation as being knowledgeable. Get back to their roots. Rediscover their niche.
It just feels like they change direction without even considering their customer base. That's why their customer base is shrinking. General Motors did the same thing and then wondered why they were no longer competitive. Does your cousin have any influence in her position?
vzn - I love the Onion! Do you happen to have the link to it?
Tink - I remember those Sierra games! And Deskmate. The Tandy was actually a decent computer for its time although the printer made me want to throw it through a wall (sorry - there's those printer issues again.) I like your new name: CellPhoneAShack. It fits with what they sell these days.
Looks like I'm going to have to go purchase another sarcasm pen I suppose. This one is no longer dripping to the same degree of effectiveness. Oh look-- it says here: "Tandy, Inc. Mfgrd in China". Figures.
Whew. That's a relief. You know how hard I hafta work to get those pens? I hafta spend weeks down on the floor, on my hands and knees-- scrubbing and scraping, every day and every night, pinching pennies and putting up with my aching back!
Oh sorry, I was just trying out my new Guilt pen... whaddaya think?
No. Its the pen. They're pretty good aren't they?
Mary - I'm always so happy to see your name on my blog. Thank you for taking time to stop by. XO
Alysse - Wow, such a nice comment. Thank you! I guess we'll both stay tuned to see if Radio Shack manages to turn things around.
Thank you both for finding this post after so much time. I appreciate it. :)