A. Lee Graham Reporter
RadioShack Corp. of Fort Worth has expanded its partnership with Maker Media Inc., creator of MAKE Magazine, promising a larger product line for do-it-yourself electronics enthusiasts. The products, sold exclusively at RadioShack and through the Maker Shed online store, include hobby kits, robotics parts and tools. “DIY is part of RadioShack’s DNA,” said Dawn Callahan, vice president of merchandising overseeing the DIY product category at RadioShack, commenting in a news release. “We’re grateful to be part of a wonderfully loyal community of makers, and we listened when they told us how we can help bring their ideas to life,” Callahan said. A Maker Media official lauded the expansion. The new co-branded product lineup will be available in stores and online exclusively at RadioShack later this year. Meanwhile, MAKE Magazine will join the MAKE book lineup and will be available in stores this fall. RadioShack plans to add new products to its DIY products available throughout the summer and fall. Responding to survey results among its DIY customers, RadioShack added Arduino microcontrollers and hundreds of new parts and tools to its stores and website in 2012. The newly announced products reflect requests that customers told the company they wanted most from RadioShack. Those include an expanded assortment of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), now available; a new collection of youth hobby kits focuses on robotics, also currently available; and a new line of mini-PC microcontrollers with video and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) capabilities, available this summer. More information about RadioShack’s DIY products is available at www.RadioShackDIY.com.
