RadioShack Announces Partnership To Sell Its Products In HobbyTown Stores

RadioShack has announced it will once again be selling its branded electronics, opening locations across the U.S. after filing for bankruptcy twice in just over two years.

The consumer electronics retailer announced its partnership with HobbyTown, a toy and hobby retailer, which will bring RadioShack’s branded merchandise to 60 HobbyTown franchise locations across the U.S., the company said Thursday in a press release. The new stores, dubbed "RadioShack Express," will operate with a "store-within-a-store concept eventually reaching over 100 of HobbyTown’s locally-owned stores.

HobbyTown, founded in 1985, owns 150 franchise stores in 41 states in the U.S. Its partnership looks to introduce RadioShack to the suburban market. "This will expand the RadioShack footprint quickly and enhance the product selection and services offered at HobbyTown locations," said HobbyTown President Bob Wilke.

RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy twice over the past three years, with its first filing in 2015, CNBC reports. In that same year, General Wireless Operations bought RadioShack's assets, including the company’s brand rights. RadioShack filed for bankrupt again in 2017. At the time, Forbes reported that the company listed its assets and liabilities both ranging from $100 million to $500 million each.

Since then, RadioShack had closed more than 1,000 stores, according to CNBC. Afterward, the now 97-year-old electronics company turned its focus to its e-commerce presence. The company now has 400 dealer locations across the U.S. selling radios, batteries, consumer electronics accessories and electronic components parts.