As Radio Shack fights for its life, the once pioneering tech retailer has undertaken a number of positive maneuvers recently. From “interactive” store remodels rolling out nationwide to embracing the smart home, featuring Insteon, Radio Shack is reasserting their relevance in this space – as a destination for geeks and civilians alike. Heck, they’re even Apple Pay friendly.
The most interesting development in my mind is Radio Shack’s take on the Best Buy Geek Squad with “Fix It Here!” – the in-store servicing is capable of handling a variety of smartphone repairs, including screen and battery replacement. Given the high cost of unsubsidized smartphones and sometimes specialized tools or parts (if not skills), this is a valuable service (that I hope to never experience). But, to further put in in perspective, a co-worker cracked his screen a few months back and found someone local online… But, upon arriving at the repair person’s home, he was totally wigged out and bailed. Instead of replacing the phone at great expense, as he did, a convenient and legit operation like Radio Shack’s, would have been appreciated.
By the by, two of my wife’s last iPhones were purchased at Radio Shack due to their generous trade in allowance, available inventory, and non-Big Box feel. Given T-Mobile’s limited sales channels and guarantee to beat all others, we had to switch it up in 2014.
Good to hear that RadioShack decided to adopt Apple Pay in spite of the controversies and resistance surrounding it. Great to hear about your wife’s iPhone purchases too! :) Considering getting from RadioShack. :)