Before the 90's and the internet they were the local place to go to find parts and stuff for anything electronic. Other retailers were out there via catalog and phone/mail order but you often waited weeks for stuff. Also gone are the days of the do it yourselfer and people who actually fix things when they break. Everything is disposable now and designed/purchased that way as well. Ive long been surprised they lasted as long as they have. The only thing's Ive purchased there in the last 10+ years were some misc parts to work on and fix guitars and amps. But there are better sources online if a person can wait a few days for the part.

Before the 90's and the internet they were the local place to go to find parts and stuff for anything electronic. Other retailers were out there via catalog and phone/mail order but you often waited weeks for stuff. Also gone are the days of the do it yourselfer and people who actually fix things when they break. Everything is disposable now and designed/purchased that way as well. Ive long been surprised they lasted as long as they have. The only thing's Ive purchased there in the last 10+ years were some misc parts to work on and fix guitars and amps. But there are better sources online if a person can wait a few days for the part.

I am a amateur radio operator/heavy truck mechanic. I repair everything that breaks. Although radio shack is now a cell phone store. I had to drive 50 miles 1 way to buy some 18 gauge magnet wire today to wind some coils for an antenna i am building.