Electronics retailer RadioShack Corp reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Thursday, bolstered by strong sales of its digital converter boxes, postpaid wireless and flat-panel televisions.

First-quarter net income rose to $43.1 million, or 34 cents a share, from $38.8 million, or 30 cents a share, a year earlier.

Analysts expected earnings of 22 cents a share, before special items, according to Reuters Estimates.

Revenue rose 5.6 percent to $1 billion.

RadioShack has shuttered unprofitable stores and cut staff in recent years to turn around its business, but faces a tougher industry environment as U.S. consumers curtail their appetite for non-essential items in a deepening recession.

The retailer also faces tough competition from Best Buy Co Inc , and discounters such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc striving to boost sales of consumer electronics.

(Reporting by Dhanya Skariachan; Editing by Derek Caney)

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