As an electronics hobbyist since the 1960's, the only places where I have ever been able to walk in and buy parts with good service were quirky little shops run by like-minded proprietors. I do not think a corporate business model for B&M stores catering to non-mainstream hobbies has ever existed.
RS's transition into cell phones, a mass market commodity, was perhaps the only possible decision that could have maintained their enormous real estate footprint. But with neither low prices nor excellent customer service, their demise was just a matter of time.
The internet's capability to serve the long tail has enabled a golden age for makers, with manufacturers and distributors of every scale providing products, and forums where every manner of making is supported. What RadioShack and your local electronics part counter was ever able to supply, even at their peak, is pathetic compared with the present situation.
Yeah, we can't walk in and idly browse around for ideas and inspiration. That's what your browser is for.
RS's transition into cell phones, a mass market commodity, was perhaps the only possible decision that could have maintained their enormous real estate footprint. But with neither low prices nor excellent customer service, their demise was just a matter of time.
The internet's capability to serve the long tail has enabled a golden age for makers, with manufacturers and distributors of every scale providing products, and forums where every manner of making is supported. What RadioShack and your local electronics part counter was ever able to supply, even at their peak, is pathetic compared with the present situation.
Yeah, we can't walk in and idly browse around for ideas and inspiration. That's what your browser is for.