RadioShack returns to CES 2025 under new ownership

RadioShackthe iconic American consumer electronics chain went bankrupt in 2017. But it was acquired by El Salvador’s Unicomer Group in May 2023. and returns to CES 2025.

RadioShack has been a beloved brand in the US since 1921. and had more than 8,000 stores at its peak in 1999. Now its new owner is promising a comeback and is introducing 380 products at CES, the big tech show in Las Vegas this week.

RadioShack’s products span gaming, audio, tech accessories, power and batteries, cables, home and office solutions, and travel essentials. Unicomer Group, once one of RadioShack’s largest and most successful franchisees, is now the custodian of a company with a proud history. And it has a strategic vision for the future, the brand reconnecting with its roots while embracing modern technology to meet the needs of today’s consumers.

Asked why the company acquired the brand, Rudy Seaman, president of RadioShack, said in a statement to GamesBeat: “We acquired the brand because, after managing its operations for more than eight years in Latin America and the Caribbean, we now have a solid model and volume base to build on to upgrade. We also have a capable team that does things right. Therefore, expanding the volume of our business into new territories – especially one as important as the United States – makes perfect sense for us.”

As for the core advantage the company has to offer, Seaman said, “Our value proposition is focused on providing high-quality products across a wide range of categories at affordable prices. We have relaunched the brand, providing customers with multiple product options under a trusted, quality brand. We bring these products to consumers through various channels.”

He said that in this initial phase, the company will operate stores through a third-party model. RadioShack aims to partner with distributors and companies interested in running the stores, he said.

As an old man, I fondly remember the Tandy TRS-80 computer sold at RadioShack stores. It was the first computer I used as a journalist while on the road. I had to use these audio connectors that connected the computer to a phone and it would make these weird noises as it connected to the newsroom so I could record stories.

At CES, RadioShack will present a selection of its core and most innovative products designed to meet the needs of today’s lifestyle. Highlights include gaming gear, audio technology such as speakers, headphones and retro-inspired audio, tech accessories, travel gear, health and fitness products, power solutions and other essential gadgets for everyday use.

“RadioShack has always been a pioneer in the technology space, and our return to CES marks an exciting chapter in our journey,” said Simon. “We’re excited to share our latest innovations and reconnect with our customers who trust us to deliver high-quality, affordable technology.”

As part of its re-emergence, RadioShack is committed to making technology affordable and accessible to all. The brand currently boasts over 500 product offerings across 17 different categories and is developing a portfolio of over 1,000 RadioShack products for the US market.

Having sold more than two million units annually in multiple markets and with plans to double its offerings by the end of 2025, the brand confirms its trusted reputation in the technology industry.

The company has a booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center during CES in South Hall 1, Booth 31118, and is looking for distributors.

RadioShack filed for bankruptcy for the first time in 2015, when it still had 4,300 stores. It was resubmitted in 2017.

Unicomer Group acquired the RadioShack franchise in El Salvador in January 1998, expanding the business to over 25 countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This successful acquisition allowed RadioShack to continue its legacy as a preferred destination for consumers
technological needs in each country in which it operates.

Unicomer Group now continues to expand RadioShack’s global footprint and has acquired RadioShack’s intellectual property assets and domains in more than 70 countries, including the United States, ushering in the local return of the legacy brand.