PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The final Radio Shack store in Maryland, a fixture on Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick for over 40 years, will close its doors by the end of April 2025. The closure marks the end of an era for the electronics retailer, which has been a community staple under the ownership of the late Michael King, who died on January 29, 2025. The store, the last of its kind in the state, began its closing sale on April 8 and will continue until April 26 or until inventory runs out.
The Prince Frederick location, situated at 436 Solomons Island Rd N, has been more than just a store for locals—it’s a piece of history tied to the King family’s legacy. Michael King, a lifelong Prince Frederick resident, took over the business from his father, Boyd King, who founded Boyd King Electronics in the 1950s. What began as a repair service for TVs and radios evolved into a Radio Shack franchise in 1976, eventually expanding to three locations in Prince Frederick, Dunkirk, and Charlotte Hall. The Prince Frederick store outlasted the others, standing as a testament to the family’s commitment to the community.
Ed King, Michael’s son, reflected on his father’s dedication. “My dad really loved being able to give back to the community through great personal service and supporting organizations in Calvert County,” he said. The closing sale offers residents a chance to honor Michael King’s contributions while bidding farewell to the store that has served generations.
Radio Shack’s heyday came in the 1970s and 1980s, when it earned a reputation as “the place to go for gear.” Before the rise of online shopping, it was a go-to spot for radios, personal computers, GPS devices, and more. In recent years, the Prince Frederick store shifted focus to electronic parts, cables, accessories, toys, and other consumer electronics. Its closure follows a broader decline for the chain, which once boasted thousands of locations nationwide. According to a 2021 report from CNN, Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy twice—in 2015 and 2017—leaving only a handful of stores operational.
The King family’s journey with electronics spans over seven decades through Boyd King Electronics. Michael King grew up repairing devices alongside his father, often making house calls in the 1950s. The addition of Radio Shack products in 1976 marked a turning point, blending local service with a national brand. While the other two franchise locations closed over time, the Prince Frederick store endured, becoming Maryland’s last Radio Shack standing.
The closing sale, already underway, has drawn attention from longtime customers. Inventory includes remaining stock of cables, parts, and accessories, available until it’s gone or the April 26 deadline arrives. The store’s phone number, 410-535-1775, remains active for inquiries.
As the closure nears, the loss resonates beyond Prince Frederick. Radio Shack’s exit from Maryland reflects broader shifts in retail, with brick-and-mortar stores giving way to e-commerce giants. For Calvert County, it’s also a farewell to a family-run business that bridged decades of technological change. The community now has just weeks to visit the store one last time and recall its role in local life.
