This sounds pretty great, the biggest hurdle would probably be the fact that most current Radio Shack stores are very small relative to the space that would most likely be needed for these kinds of varying DIY projects. Though I haven't been in a Build-a-Bear in a while, maybe ever, so maybe they could use that size model since those stores aren't enormous either.
Retail space has to be partly fungible? They sell off some percentage of their stores so they can build out a few larger spaces in malls or strip malls. Make the new spaces big, Apple-grey-and-white, well-lit areas with 3D-printers and soldering guns.....
There are leases and investors have already nixed a plan for RS to do a massive dump of retail locations.
The DIY/Maker ideas are certainly interesting to me; I'd probably frequent such a store. Though I doubt the business model as a retail operation at scale. But converting Radio Shack to this? Existing store design/location would often not be suitable. Many employees wouldn't be suitable. The company is in financial trouble. If it's a viable business plan, why bring in the legacy that is Radio Shack?
