At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, a surprising contender emerged in the form of RadioShack, a brand once synonymous with neighborhood electronics stores but largely considered a relic of the past. Instead of showcasing a singular breakthrough product, RadioShack unveiled a catalog that can only be described as a sprawling, almost anarchic collection of photo and tech gadgets. This eclectic mix, ranging from nostalgic audio equipment to modern smart devices, paints a vivid picture of a company attempting to reassert its presence by casting a wide net in the competitive electronics market.
RadioShack's journey has been tumultuous. After filing for bankruptcy in 2017 and being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, the brand's ownership changed hands multiple times. Retail Ecommerce Ventures acquired it in 2020, shifting its focus to e-commerce. Then, in 2023, Unicomer Group, based in El Salvador, took over, maintaining physical stores in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, while its North American presence remains largely online. This revival, particularly the release of remarkably inexpensive memory cards last year, caught many former customers off guard, who had presumed the company had vanished entirely.
The 2026 catalog reflects this chaotic evolution. While it begins with a nod to the company's heritage, featuring various radios and sound systems, it quickly veers into unexpected territory. Among the offerings are affordable, unbranded versions of popular electronics, including children's photo printers equipped with 20-megapixel cameras, portable power banks, smartphone accessories, action cameras, and even drones. One notable item, the “True Limitless” action camera, openly emulates GoPro's design and attachment mechanisms, highlighting RadioShack's strategy of providing budget-friendly alternatives to established brands.
Beyond photography and drones, the catalog expands to encompass an array of other consumer electronics. There's an "AI-powered" selfie stick with facial recognition, a portable monitor reminiscent of the Espresso Display, and a selection of wireless lavalier microphones that bear a striking resemblance to products from Saramonic and Rode. The sheer diversity is staggering, featuring everything from backpacks and universal remotes to two-way radios, smart pet feeders, electric air pumps, gaming chairs, clear wireless mice, laser pointers, cordless phones, and digital photo frames. The brand even ventured into home security with cameras and smart light bulbs, including one that cleverly combines both functions.
The drone section of the catalog particularly stands out, offering a knockoff of the DJI Mavic. Priced at a seemingly attractive $150, it boasts an integrated remote with a display and USB-C charging. However, the absence of obstacle avoidance features suggests a product that, while affordable, might be prone to damage and quickly become electronic waste. This wide-ranging and often low-cost selection evokes a sense of nostalgia for those who remember RadioShack's brick-and-mortar stores in the 2000s, where similar arrays of off-brand gadgets and electronics were commonplace.
RadioShack's latest catalog, while teeming with what could be described as somewhat subpar offerings, nevertheless triggers a wave of nostalgia for its past. The company's current approach, characterized by a vast and somewhat disorganized collection of affordable tech, echoes its earlier days when shelves were filled with a diverse range of unbranded electronic items and toys. However, much like the counsel offered decades ago, the prevailing advice for today's consumers remains consistent: it might be prudent to exercise caution before investing in these products.