From Leather to PCs: The Rise and Fall of Radio Shack

2025-06-23
From Leather to PCs: The Rise and Fall of Radio Shack

In 1919, a small leather company was founded, eventually evolving under Charles Tandy's leadership into a retail empire. In 1963, a struggling Radio Shack was acquired, and transformed into a powerhouse of consumer electronics, driven by the incredibly popular TRS-80 personal computer. This story recounts the dramatic journey of Radio Shack, from humble beginnings to market dominance, and ultimately, the surprising success of a seemingly unlikely venture into the burgeoning personal computer market, showcasing bold leadership, market savvy, and a bit of luck.