RadioShack is dead, so long live Amazon?
RadioShack has declared bankruptcy. As part of the move, Amazon and Sprint are said to be interested in buying some of the U.S. retailer’s storefronts, according to Bloomberg.
Sources explain that Amazon may use RadioShack stores as showcases for hardware, as well as pickup and drop-off centers for online customers. Meanwhile, Sprint is interested in buying 1,300 to 2,000 of RadioShack’s 4,000 U.S. locations.
Besides Amazon and Sprint, the investment group behind Brookstone is also evaluating RadioShack stores. It is also possible that the retailer won’t be liquidated and instead find a new owner.
Founded in 1921, RadioShack has struggled in recent years to compete with other electronics retailers, especially those online. After declaring bankruptcy, the company was delisted on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Personally, I don’t see how moving Amazon to brick and mortar stores is going to help the largest online retailer in the world. Some Amazon products are already sold through retailers like Best Buy and Walmart, so how is this different?
We’ll continue to follow this story in the coming days and weeks.