The first fruits of RadioShack’s collaboration with pop personality Nick Cannon took shape in Harlem on Tuesday, where the partners showed off Cannon’s Ncredible brand and new headphones.
The Ncredible 1 Bluetooth over-the-ear headphone features a microphone, on-ear controls and “a modern sound,” RadioShack said. The product, rolling out now to all 1,700 company-owned stores, is offered in a red or black matte finish, and sells for $129 with cable and case.
The Ncredible 1 headphone
The CE chain signed on Cannon as chief creative officer in December to help develop its private-label program and “further transform the retailer into the must-visit electronics destination, from curating the music selection to performances and events.”
He fulfilled both roles at a Harlem RadioShack store, where special guests the Harlem School of the Arts and Life Camp, representing youth against violence, underscored the launch theme of “Turn Down the Violence, Turn Up the Sound.”
Both groups “[exemplify] our dedication to youth empowerment and embracing the neighborhoods we serve,” Cannon said.
RadioShack said it plans to build out the Ncredbile line with additional headphones, signature DJ and music creation products, and learning devices to foster creativity.
End-cap display with Nick Cannon cut-out
The iconic CE chain, which operated some 7,000 stores at its height, was whittled down to its 1,700 most productive locations, including 1,400 co-managed with Sprint, after its bankruptcy one year ago this month.
The company also kept over 500 of its approximately 850 independent franchised RadioShack dealers following its eventual sale to hedge fund and former lead lender Standard General.
It is currently searching for a successor to Ron Garriques, who stepped down last month as the retailer’s first post-bankruptcy CEO.
Cannon previously partnered with Monster for his Ncredible line, and they were also part of a test of listening stations in Walgreens stores.
