Radio Shack Vs. Comp USA

RadioShack and CompUSA are both major electronics retailers struggling under the shadow of corporate giants like Best Buy. However, both chains have their own unique marketing strategy and succeed on their own terms. Each has different offerings for consumers.

History

RadioShack opened in 1921 as a two-man store in Boston selling amateur radio equipment. National expansion did not come until the Tandy Corporation purchased the company in 1962. CompUSA started as Soft Warehouse in 1984 and opened its first electronics megastore in 1985. Soft Warehouse didn't adopt the name CompUSA until 1991.

Retail Locations

As of 2009, RadioShack has approximately 5,800 locations in the U.S., along with international franchises. After company downsizing that started in 2007, CompUSA only has 25 stores remaining in the U.S. As of this writing, the company plans to open three new locations.

Product Offerings

Both stores offer consumer electronics like MP3 players and home video equipment. However, RadioShack retains its long-standing line of electronics parts, like resistors and diodes, which are difficult to find elsewhere.

Online Ordering

Both companies offer an extensive amount of products online. Since CompUSA conducts most of its business online, the company offers a much larger selection of consumer electronics. Just as with its retail locations, RadioShack offers many electronic parts for sale online that CompUSA does not.

Final Comparison

For ordering consumer electronics online, CompUSA has the better selection and pricing of the two. If you prefer shopping in a store, though, you're far more likely to find a local RadioShack store than a CompUSA outlet--especially if you're looking for an obscure cable or special part for repairing electronics.

References

• RadioShack
• CompUSA

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hajime NAKANO