The Death Throes of Dick Smith Electronics

Comment by insane, on 29-Dec-2011 03:49 , user id: 33057)

Agree, went in to buy a cheap multimeter with a friend a few weeks ago from DSE Albany which is one of their highest grossing stores, but alas they no longer sell them.

It's no real suprise though, back when I worked for DSE from '05 to '07 the process of downsizing the electronics (p) category had already well begun and by late '07 DSE had systematically worked everyone who had some understanding about electronics out of the company. Staff turnover was quite shocking too. When I started my staff number was 271X, when I left three years later they were up in the 5XXX's.

Laptops and big screen TV's were more important, even though the margins were tiny compared to that of components and wire etc.

Seemed to cooinside with when all the NZ buyers and HO staff were made redundant and opporations were run from Australia.

Comment by vinnieg, on 29-Dec-2011 13:43 , user id: 32906)

I went in there to get some simple LEDs...they don't sell those other.

Wtf,  seems like Jaycar, Surplustronics or RS-Supplies are the only places to get things these days

Comment by Skolink, on 29-Dec-2011 23:16 , user id: 37427)

Funny, just had that conversation with someone today after being in a store. Apparently the stores are not called Dick Smith in Australia anymore, but DSE. I guess Dick don't do Christmas over the ditch.

For components that Jaycar don't stock, Element14 (aka Farnell) have free shipping for online orders. Min order $10.

Comment by bigal_nz, on 31-Dec-2011 02:58 , user id: 8638)

Spectron are also really really good for supplies like solder, wicker, flux and the like.

I doubt they are open again until Jan. They in Penrose.

Comment by sbiddle, on 1-Jan-2012 02:12 , user id: 1387)

The Woolworths "takeover" isn't a recent thing it happened in 1980.

Comment by keewee01, on 1-Jan-2012 21:43 , user id: 45245)

Scary!

I remember David Reid Electronics - I use to frequent the one in Riccarton in the early 90's.

Comment by johnr, on 2-Jan-2012 08:43 , user id: 3672)

I remember David Reid electronics in New Market / Takapuna oh those were the days!

Comment by Wob, on 4-Jan-2012 19:09 , user id: 29583)

How sad is this: I actually worked part time in the Dunedin David Reid store (age showing blatantly here!!)

DSE over here in Aus are just an amalgamation of a cell phone shop, Harvey Norman Electrical and EB Games - they don't even sell many gadgets.

I echo the sentiment "Thank goodness for Jaycar" - excellent gadgets for any self-respecting geek.

Comment by LookingUp, on 6-Jan-2012 12:33 , user id: 56922)

If they're interested in selling anything at all they need to get their website sorted.  It was down yesterday when I looked, and is either still down or down again 24hrs later.  I often use it to check if they have what I'm after before I trundle down to the shop to find they no longer stock basic electronic gear.

JCar or the Internet is the only option these days... :-(

Comment by SepticSceptic, on 23-Jan-2012 17:05 , user id: 36616)

Looks like Dick Smith is really in its death throes ...

Woolworths to start closing Dick Smith Stores:
http://www.channelnews.com.au/Sales_And_Marketing/Marketing/E2N2D3L2