RadioShack Goes Bankrupt, But Its Name Will Live On

It was inevitable: RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy.

The move came after the company reached an agreement with hedge fund Standard General to offload upwards of 2,400 stores, and it marks the end of an era for an American business that launched in 1921.

Given the financial turmoil RadioShack dealt with for the past few years, the fact that it’s lasted as long as it has is impressive – but that means little when we’re talking about the destruction of such an iconic franchise.

Flickr: John Morrison

Those who hold the RadioShack name dear to their heart, don’t fret: It’s going to live on. While Sprint is going to be partnering with Standard General to take over up to 1,750 of the acquired locations, it’s going to operate inside of the store, rather than replace it. That means it’d be a RadioShack outside, and about 60% inside, while the rest would be dedicated to space for Sprint – a store in a store.

It’s also worth noting that franchise stores both in the US and elsewhere are unaffected – so again, the RadioShack name will live on. Whether or not the Sprint infusion will be enough to keep it living on for a while longer, we’ll have to wait and see. But with as many stores as Sprint is planning to occupy, its decision certainly wasn’t made in haste.