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An Idea for a Hobby Radio
Communications Store in Wichita Falls
Radio Shack left town a few years ago. If it were the old 1970s and 1980s RadioShack, I would be sad. But it wasn't. It was, in my opinion, a Radio Shack that wasn't much different from a Best Buy or Circuit City. If RadioShack had stuck to its roots—hobby radio electronics—there would have been no need to compete. They were in a league of their own. At its peak, Radio Shack had over 8,000 stores worldwide. At one time, Wichita Falls had three Radio Shack stores. Why? Ham Radio Outlet has 12 locations nationwide. They, HRO, know who they are, and they stay in their lane.
On 08-15-2025, I visited the Radio Shack website where I did a search for "CB Radio" and "Amateur Radio". Both searches revealed no such equipment for sale. The name Radio Shack means the room where transmitting and receiving equipment is located. Okay, I know a dead horse when I beat one. I'll just accept the fact that Radio Shack will never be the Radio Shack I want it to be.
Wichita Falls could use a Hobby Radio Communications store. When I say Hobby Radio, I'm talking about CB Radio, Amateur (ham) Radio, the General Mobile Radio Service, the Multi-Use Radio Service, the Family Radio Service, and all things directly related to those services. This includes a vast selection of parts and components. The store would sell and service radio gear from the services mentioned above. We would even do a "peak and tune" on your CB Radio, but not the kind you're probably wanting. Regular swapfests would be conducted in the parking area.
Separate, fully-equipped, radio operator stations would be set up for CB Radio and Amateur (ham) Radio. Of course, a license would be required to operate Amateur Radio gear. But, do not despair! Regular Amateur (ham) Radio license classes will be conducted and testing will be available monthly. Various other hobby radio-related classes would also be conducted. All employees will hold "Amateur Extra" licenses. Our customers come in to talk radio, not cell phones or home theater equipment! Best Buy can fix you right up!
As for a location, I don't think Sikes Senter Mall would work. I think a small building with a dedicated parking lot would be required. Easy access to vehicles would be needed to assist and/or advise customers with mobile installations. Also, we probably wouldn't want mall input on our permanent antenna requirements or parking lot "tail gate" swapfests. The security of the mall is nice, as is the foot traffic. I wouldn't rule it out completely without further investigation. The mall might be very accomodating as it seeks tenants. You never know until you ask.
These are the broad strokes. I'm sure you could add a lot of other good ideas.
Omar from OMARC, the One-Man Amateur Radio Club