Tandy (Australia)

Infobox_Company
name = Tandy Electronics

type = Subsidiary
foundation = 1950 - USA, 1973 - AUS
location_city = Regents Park, New South Wales
location_country = AUS
key_people = Debra Singh, Interim General Manager
industry = Retail
products = Electronic kits, electronic components, alarm systems, landline and mobile telephones, electronic test equipment, tools, speakers, car audio, personal computers, books, antennas
revenue =
parent = Woolworths Limited
homepage = [http://www.tandy.com.au/ www.tandy.com.au]

Tandy is an electronics retailer in Australia, owned by Woolworths Limited.

History

Tandy was originally founded in the United States in 1950 as Tandy Leather Company. In 1963, Tandy changed its business to electronics when it acquired control of RadioShack, a forty year old electronics business with nine stores and a mail-order arm. From 1963 to 1986, RadioShack grew to more than 6900 stores and dealers in the US, with a further 2100 stores and dealers in Canada, England, Europe and Australia.

In November 1973, the first RadioShack-style Tandy stores in Australia opened for business. They were administered from a rented office and warehouse in the Sydney suburb of Rydalmere. Tandy quickly established stores in major towns and suburbs across Australia and had a major presence by 1980. Many independent electrical businesses in smaller towns added Tandy products to their range.

Tandy in Australia were especially well-known for their audio and radio products, most of which carried their Realistic home brand label. Their business expanded rapidly during the CB radio boom of the mid 1970s and the personal computer boom later. Their TRS-80 series of computers was particularly well-known.

Tandy's position in the market had some similarities with its local competitor, Dick Smith Electronics. Both companies produced a substantial annual catalogue, though Tandy's was more consumer-oriented with no data section. Its CB radio ranges were similar to DSE but it never carried much amateur radio gear, preferring to focus on scanners and shortwave radio.

Expansion

In 2001, Woolworths Limited acquired Tandy and despite also owning Dick Smith Electronics, the Tandy stores continue to trade as separate entities.

Today, Tandy has over 120 company-owned stores operating throughout Australia in metropolitan and regional areas. The company also has approximately 90 dealers located in smaller regional areas that stock a wide range of Tandy merchandise.

To compliment its retail stores, Tandy also has a comprehensive website where customers can buy products available in Tandy stores, and also an expanded range of other merchandise.

Today

With over 200 locations across the country, Tandy is one of Australia's leading electronics retailers. The product range includes home entertainment, computers, communications and electronics. Tandy stores carry a range of generic-branded products as well as big brands. The stores also carry a large range of cables, accessories, and a comprehensive range of batteries.

There is a wide range of choices at Tandy for mobile phones. In the computer area, Tandy carries a large range of computer peripherals and accessories.

ee also

*Dick Smith Electronics
*Jaycar
*Woolworths Limited

References

External links

* [http://www.tandy.com.au Tandy Australia]