Good bye Radio Shack, Hello Microcenter. WOW

jdolecki · 2012-10-21 10:14

Last week I stopped by Micro center (Downers Grove) to see what was new and I walked past the Robotics stuff and all the Spark-fun stuff was gone!

I thought "Well that didn't last long" just then one of the sales associate's walked by asked if i needed help. So I asked what happened to all the Spark Fun stuff?

To my amazement he said "We moved all the Robotic / Electronic stuff".

So we went around the corner and I nearly fainted.

Not only did they give it more room they have stocked it well and grouped additional merchandise in as well.

Like the electronic magazines, Servo and Robot, along with assorted Parallax and Arduino books.

The have even have an Elve-8 on the shelf along with the repairs kits.

Even more amazing was a customer came and asked about a propeller board and the kid knew what he was talking about.

I was truly Impressed.

Well Done Micro Center.

Kevin Cook · 2012-10-21 21:45

Thanks for the photos! I've heard they planned to increase the size of their robot/electronics section. Nice to see some pictures of what they were saying.

frank freedman · 2012-10-21 22:08

Wish we had one out here. Yeah, we do have a couple of Fry's Electronics in the Phoenix area, so I guess that makes me greedy. They are about the only non-net store that can compete with Fry's. The Microcenter in Cleveland near the Philips Medical training center was really nicely stocked for lots of stuff.

jdolecki · 2012-10-22 01:45

Kevin you need to get them some Parallax signs to replace those PlayStation 2 signs.

Also tell your Microcenter contact they need to start showing up at the local Robot events! They are not going to sell anything if people don't know were to buy it.

A good start would be to send out announcements to the local Hackerspaces.

How about a Robotics contest there?

LoopyByteloose · 2012-10-22 03:25

Ah... the CNC machines are available -- maybe some really cool Parallax signs for Christmas shoppers to see.

I guess Microcenter is a new retail outlet. Being on the other side of the planet I have to ask this as I haven't a clue.

GordonMcComb · 2012-10-22 09:44

Though it's only one copy, they have my book! Yipee! If they sell that copy I can buy a $1 soda at McDonald's.

Micro Center is an "electronics superstore" in the same venue as Fry's and the now defunct Incredible Universe, which was a Radio Shack property. They have about two dozen stores across the country. The nearest one to me is a good 60 miles, and I've been able to stop by once or twice on my way to LA.

xanadu · 2012-10-22 10:15

That is sweet, I shop at the Shack like twice a year, kinda sad cause they got me out of a pinch quite a few times. Maybe RS needs a makeover, they haven't changed much with the times.

Martin_H · 2012-10-22 10:26

I'm impressed that they have model rockets. Do they have the engines as well? Those are hard to find locally, so I always have to mail order them.

I just stopped by Radio Shack this morning to pick up some 220 ohm resistors. They're unbelievably convenient for that sort of thing. I would hate to see them go under and have to mail order everything.

jdolecki · 2012-10-22 10:34

Micro center is putting up components I seen several resistor packs and soldering irons and stuff the display just isn't finished yet.

RDL2004 · 2012-10-22 13:09

It's a good thing there's not one anywhere near me or my wallet would suffer badly.

Good bye Radio Shack, Hello Microcenter. WOW

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