File:Your typical plain and empty RadioShack in Ashtabula, Ohio (2014-03-15 11.43.47 by Nicholas Eckhart).jpg

I seriously do not understand RadioShack's merchandising strategy. First of all the store looks utterly plain and a little bit dated. Painting each of the walls a different color or even painting all of them the same color, given that it is a different color than the ceiling, would go a long way. It is a little depressing and boring having the entire store be plain white except for the floor. Having the floor be grey carpet and the rest of the store white will naturally draw customers' eyes to the floor; if the carpet hasn't been cleaned for a while it will further decrease the customers' opinion of the store. I am against having carpet in stores; in my opinion carpeting should only be found in areas where sound should be absorbed i.e. a lounge area, hotel room, or a theater. Having a bunch of sound absorbing material in a store and no noise like music often makes it "too quiet" for customers to want to stay in the store longer. Store music, especially in a mall environment, can draw the attention of potential customers walking by as well. This store also has a fold-able table with items on it in the middle of the entrance. Not only does the table look cheap but it also appears to be a physical barrier between the mall and the store. This store also does not use the display windows to their full potential, having an interesting display also draws customers to your store. Lastly, the service counter is in the back of the store; moving it up front would not only cut down on loss but would be more convenient for customers searching for an item. I have witnessed shoppers at stores like this with the service counter in the back enter the store, look at an aisle, appear overwhelmed, then leave the store. If the the service counter was up front employees could point customers in the right direction and if they appear overwhelmed then go over to help them.

The Ashtabula Towne Square Mall (originally called Ashtabula Mall) was opened in October 1992. The original anchor stores of the mall were Kmart, JCPenney, Dillard's, Sears, Phar-Mor, and Carlisle's. Sadly as of spring 2014 the mall only has two anchor stores, a Super Kmart and a JCPenney, on the western part of the mall. It appears that the interior of the mall is at least 50% vacant with the food court and eastern half of the mall completely empty. The remaining businesses are clustered in the western part of the mall near JCPenney and Super Kmart then continue until the cinemas behind the food court.