Chances are there's a RadioShack
store near you. But there's now about a one in five chance that there won't be
one there much longer. The struggling electronics chain announced plans in
early March "to close up to 1,100 underperforming stores," as it
released financial reports showing it suffering a $400 million net loss in
2013, with nearly half of that coming in the fourth quarter alone.
Hams have long relied on the
chain as a source for components, and in the past, for ham gear, shortwave
receivers and scanners as well. In recent years, RadioShack has put a greater
focus on mobile phones and accessories, a market that has softened recently, as
new purchases have given way to replacements and upgrades. One recent bright
spot for hams has been a new focus on kits and building, in response to the
growth of the maker movement.