RadioShack
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Weekend circulars show jailbroken iPod touch with Installer on board
We're not sure who nodded off in the art department, but we're fairly certain they're going to be wide awake come Monday morning. Apparently, Radio Shack is running circulars this week featuring the iPod touch... with the Installer and MobileChat icons. We're sure Apple will be stoked to discover that a jailbroken iPod is hanging out in one of America's most-viewed ads, and we're equally sure that buyers will be pleased to learn they don't really get an IM application with their purchase. Champagne for everyone!Update: Take a look at a screen grab from the circular after the break.[Thanks, Matt & Oscar M]
The quest for a DTV converter box
We've had digital TV tuners for years, but for many there's a lot of anxiety associated with trying to ensure you're ready for the analog shutoff. So to do our part in helping to make the digital transition a success -- and to get some much needed cred' with the mother-in-law -- we set out on a quest for a DTV converter box. Finding a DTV converter box that is eligible for the $40 voucher is pretty easy, in fact, in almost every place we looked, we found 'em. The problem is that the voucher is only for $40 and since those who actually need one in the first place are too cheap frugal to pay for cable or buy a new TV, every penny counts.
LTB Audio Systems launches 5.1-channel Q-Home-FX headphones
LTB Audio Systems has been conjuring up wireless cans for some time now, but unfortunately, its latest offering is barely more exciting than ones past. The Q-Home-FX headphones reportedly crank out "true 5.1 surround sound" by utilizing the firm's "patented technologies for true 5.1 separation and chambering of spatial audio channels." Granted, that sounds more like marketing fluff than anything else, but at least they're wireless, right? More specifically, the 2.4GHz technology allows a range of 99 feet, and there's even a built-in microphone in case you get the urge to Skype in multichannel. Those somehow interested can grab these now (but only from RadioShack's website, go figure) for $269.99.
Confirmed: RadioShack to start selling games in-store
Update: A RadioShack manager who wishes to remain anonymous has confirmed to Joystiq that the retailer will begin selling games and hardware in most of their stores nationwide on Sept. 24. The selection of titles will include Halo 3 (available at launch on Sept. 25), Madden 08 and "every major launch title for the holiday season" according to the source, who was briefed on the plans by a corporate broadcast.Fourteen games in all will be available through the holiday season, though a list of specific games was not available. In addition, 2,500 of the chain's 6,000+ stores will be selling Xbox 360, Wii and PS2 (but not PS3) hardware in-store -- other locations will be able to special order hardware at a customer's request.According to our source, the focus will not be on just selling the systems and games, but also the associated accessories and cables that Radio Shack specializes in (and makes the most margin on). After the holidays, the retailer will probably suspend the game sales program "unless it does really well," our source told us. The program will be promoted to consumers in RadioShack's October flier.Original Post: GameShack, anyone? Analysts are predicting that venerable electronics retailer RadioShack is looking to increase the video game presence in its 6,000 locations across the U.S. Media reports cite analysts from Citigroup and Credit Suisse as predicting the company will start testing game sales in their brick and mortar locations as early as this holiday season. One analyst note suggested stores would be limited to 14 games per location to start. Not exactly numbers to strike fear into the heart of GameStop ... at least not yet.The Shack has offered a wide selection of games and hardware on its website since 2005 but their in-store gaming selection has been traditionally limited to memory cards, controllers and other accessories. The move into the thriving game industry might be an attempt to reverse three quarters of declining sales for the retailer, yet RadioShack stock was down 6.6 percent Monday on fears that selling games might further depress earnings. Go fig.Read - Reuters report citing Citigroup analystRead - Dallas Morning News report citing Credit Suisse analyst
Radio Shack picks LGs and Panasonics HDTVs
Remember how Radio Shack is going to start selling flat-panel HDTVs? Well, they have chosen LG and Panasonic to provide them and we can't be more happy. This could be the first time we have thought about Radio Shack's product lines without thinking "cheap plastic." These are quality products that they are going to start selling. LG and Panasonic have both made a name for themselves with LCDs and plasmas respectively. Initially they were only going to sell up to 32-inches but now the plan is calling 42's as well. Like HDTV Professor puts it though, those will more then likely be the red sports car in the dealers showroom. They won't sell that many, if any at all, but there just to draw people in. The Shack might actually be able to maintain and support this business with these brands products. Now if they can price them competitively...
Shady rebates land Inphonic in hot water
Cellphone retailer Inphonic, which runs RadioShack's and Wirefly's online phone e-shops and has recently penned an agreement with Amazon to do the same, has been sued by Washington D.C.'s Attorney General for offering rebates requiring "onerous procedures" to fulfill. As we all know, rebates are often a boon for retailers and manufacturers because many buyers forget or don't care to fill out and mail the required forms, but it seems Inphonic has taken their rebate scam game to the next level, racking up over 2,000 complaints in the past three years. Besides unhelpful customer service representatives or automated messages (we usually have a rough time telling the difference), Inphonic is accused of making the terms of some of their rebates impossible to meet, like requiring 120 days of continuous phone activation on a rebate that expires in less than 120 days. "Any time you're dealing with millions of customers, as we are, there are going to be occasional concerns," says Inphonic's senior VP; we're assuming that by "occasional" he means "virtually anyone who attempts to claim a rebate from us."[Via MobileTracker]
Radio Shack to increase LCD offerings
Think Radio Shack. What do you think of? Do radios even come to mind anymore? It seems like they dropped that a long time ago. Their floors are now occupied with random plastic toys and cell phones. The Shack is going to start phasing in more LCD TVs over the next few years. The company plans on offering 32-inch and smaller LCDs, but some analysts have a good point. Do they have enough room in those stores to offer enough of a selection on the floor and room in the back to store 'em? We just don't see this helping Radio Shack.Thoughts?
The Key to High Definition Domination
High definition has been struggling to gain a solid foothold for a few years now. Most large TVs that are sold are HD but, in my experience as a retail TV salesman, the average consumer does not have them hooked up to high-def just yet. A person could blame this on a few things like lack of programming or just plain ignorance. However, I think that it boils down to the universal language of money.
