On April 20, 1970, in Rexdale, Ontario, the first Canadian Radio Shack store opened, signalling the start of a new era in Canadian consumer electronics. Twenty years later, more than 800 Radio Shack outlets are a part of the everyday lives of Canadians coast to coast.

Radio Shack’s unique retail success is rooted in its philosophy of offering Canadians leading-edge electronic products at affordable prices. This offering, combined with the company’s commitment to put the customer first with superior service and support, has established Radio Shack as Canada’s largest electronics chain.

It was that same philosophy of exceeding consumer needs and expectations that proved successful for Radio Shack U.S.A. Starting in Boston, in 1921, Radio Shack grew from a fledging local retail operation to a multi-billion dollar retail giant.  Expanding Radio Shack U.S.A.’s retailing principles to the Canadian market soon brought the company exciting growth.  Radio Shack stores have been firmly established all over the country from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and from the 49th parallel to the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Radio Shack is as visible in small rural communities as it is in large urban centres. Some 398 of its 858 Canadian locations are authorized dealer outlets conveniently located in Canada’s smaller but vital centres.

Radio Shack’s head office, located in Barrie, Ontario, was constructed in 1970. It originally covered 40,000 square feet and was expected to contain growth for five years. However, two years later, as a result of unprecedented growth, the original building was expanded to cover 123,750 square feet. In 1975, the company had to rent additional space, adding another 102,000 square feet.

In 1978, Radio Shack constructed its present head office facility. It covered 300,000 square feet which included a large distribution centre, a fully equipped garage, a spacious truck yard and extensive office space. In 1987, the distribution centre was expanded by another 100,000 square feet.
 

Radio Shack stores are a familliar sight in cities and towns across Canada.

The 1990’s marketplace will present unique challenges to all Canadian retailers and Radio Shack has taken significant steps to remain at the forefront of the industry. The company has repositioned itself as a multiple niche retailer offering broader and deeper assortments in specific niche markets. Radio Shack is aggressively reaching out to potential new customers through innovative advertising programs, while protecting its existing loyal customer base. The company is experimenting with new retail formats and has placed greater emphasis on sales force training to ensure that it continues to provide exceptional customer service.

Today Radio Shack employs more than 2,300 Canadians and carries a broad range of consumer electronics products including audio and video, computers and computer software, electronic kits and games, communications products and electronic accessories. The company is committed to marketing quality products at fair prices, providing customers with excellent service and maximizing shareholder value.

Radio Shack is a wholly owned subsidiary of InterTAN Inc., an international company with retail operations in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. In total InterTAN Inc. operates 1,700 retail stores and dealer outlets. InterTAN Inc.’s operational headquarters are located in Barrie, Ontario, just minutes away from Radio Shack Canada’s head office.