I used to stop at Radio Shack at least 3 times a week for parts. But in large metroplex's they got their lunch ate by people who were just smarter. Here in Dallas / Fort-worth there are a few places with over 10,000 sqft of parts ( http://www.tannerelectronics.com/ ), with prices that are right. Radio shack made probably 1/3 their money selling antenna's and poles for broadcast tv's. 1/3 from DYI parts, and the balance from selling remote control toys at Christmas. Tanner has no less than 8 customers in it any time I am in there.
So how can they turn this to reclaim some of their old customers who are actually aware of them, and gain the new younger generation who doesn't?
1. Carry a few of the kits, blinking led's, crystal radio's, maybe a programmable remote control for TV's? For the kids who might DYI?
or crazy grandpa who would like to give a kid a gift that will make them think for themselves.
2. In some area's focus on selling the HDTV antenna's, and pitch it as get off the 50$ a month cable or satellite bill?
3. Christmas was always big with remote control vehicles, maybe a few more robotic style toys (programmable from pc)?
4. Increase digital selection, maybe since ttl is coming in smaller packages, offer those, and some soic to dil adapters.
5. Bring back some wire wrap, sockets, better selection of transistors, more resistors values etc. (Still small space usage)
6. Higher quality home stereo and surround sound systems (works in every market) and advertise this!
7.Become the goto for car stereo equipment with good brands, and speakers.
8. Make a online sales course for the fricking sales staff to watch while their waiting around for somebody to come in.
9. Better selection of power supplies, maybe some test equipment would be nice, (good meters, pc based digital scope or something!)
10. Become the king of batteries for cell phones probably a good idea, and carry a larger variety of cell phone accessories.
This will not work in every store. They are going to have to figure this out by location.