Why did RadioShack hire ‘America’s Got Talent’ host as its CCO?

Nick Cannon is a busy guy. In addition to hosting "America’s Got Talent," he is the chairman of TeenNick for Nickelodeon and the founder of a production agency Ncredible Entertainment. He is also the new chief creative officer for RadioShack where he has been hired to play an active role in developing exclusive products for the chain.

Mr. Cannon, who will maintain an office at RadioShack headquarters in Fort Worth, has other duties, as well, including helping to "transform the retailer into the must-visit electronics destination" by curating musical playlists for the chain’s 1,700+ stores and by putting on performances and events.

While Mr. Cannon’s choice as CCO for RadioShack may seem odd, he does have some experience with new product development. Through Ncredible Entertainment (via USA Today), he developed his own eight-inch Android tablet and developed a line of headphones with Monster. Mr. Cannon is looking to further expand the line through in his new role with RadioShack.

Nick Cannon RadioShack CCO

Nick Cannon Chief Creative Officer, RadioShack  Source: PR Newswire

According to press release put out by the retailer, Mr. Cannon’s relationship with RadioShack goes back to when he was eight-years-old. The young Mr. Cannon took apart stereo equipment he had inherited from his grandfather and needed help putting it back together. He turned to his local RadioShack and was able to make modifications to the system that greatly enhanced its performance.

"As a kid, spending time in my neighborhood RadioShack was invaluable. The maker mentality and educational approach taught me a lot and encouraged me to explore my own creativity," said Mr. Cannon. "In return I wanted to give back by fostering creative pursuits in others, and helping kids move to the next level. I’ve been able to do that with my company, NCredible, and I’m proud to do even more as chief creative officer for RadioShack."

BrainTrust

"Not much to say on this except that it feels like a stunt. Yes, Nick Cannon is well known as the host of America’s Got Talent, but it’s hard to see how this fixes RadioShack’s relevancy problem."

Dick Seesel

Principal, Retailing In Focus LLC


"RadioShack desperately needs a re-brand. Millennials don’t know what a radio is, and "shack" just screams "1953." With a new brand and a new mission, it could be a successful company."

Cathy Hotka

Principal, Cathy Hotka & Associates


Discussion Questions

What do you think it will take to make the new RadioShack relevant with today’s consumers? Do you think Nick Cannon will be able to help put RadioShack on the map with consumers, particularly younger ones?

Poll

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Dick Seesel
Dick Seesel
8 years ago

Not much to say on this except that it feels like a stunt. Yes, Nick Cannon is well known as the host of America’s Got Talent (although he’s hardly the reason why people watch), but it’s hard to see how this fixes RadioShack’s relevancy problem. Does anybody think that Nick Cannon would hang out at today’s RadioShack if he had a choice in the matter?

Gene Detroyer
Gene Detroyer
8 years ago

This is bizarre.

Cathy Hotka
Cathy Hotka
8 years ago

RadioShack desperately needs a re-brand. Millennials don’t know what a radio is, and “shack” just screams “1953.” With a new brand and a new mission, it could be a successful company.

Gajendra Ratnavel
Gajendra Ratnavel
8 years ago

Bringing a recognizable, friendly face to the brand is always good. Steve Jobs created some of the most amazing products and he wasn’t a techie so it seems it is not a requirement for the job in all cases.

Naomi K. Shapiro
Naomi K. Shapiro
8 years ago

To make the new RadioShack relevant with today’s consumers, use someone like Nick Cannon as your spokesperson and tell his story! If this is RadioShack’s target, Nick Cannon will be a tremendous asset to rebuilding the customer bases. It may be a genius move to use a person that seems to be a very popular, busy and likeable person/role model. And lots of fans and followers.

Gordon Arnold
Gordon Arnold
8 years ago

This move makes no sense at all, which is typical for the company. The question about Mr. Cannon’s abilities for increasing floor traffic should include information like without advertising and or product demand. Maybe he can put together some kind of store autograph signing of product purchases with the long list of famous friends he has.

I guess we will just have to wait and see how he tackles this larger than life problem. A lot of jobs are on the betting line for this decision and I for one wish him well in this challenge of a lifetime.

Craig Sundstrom
Craig Sundstrom
8 years ago

Trick question: though — of course — I wish them well, I don’t think anyone or anything can make them relevant, any more than “what would it take for Detroit to surpass NYC?” is an achievable goal. I think at this point they’re dependent on hope or random luck.

Lee Kent
Lee Kent
8 years ago

I’m liking the concept they are describing, but fear they have a very long way to go. To start, the name. RadioShack does not even begin to speak to this new concept. Putting on performances and events, if done right, could bring folks into the store but what will be in the store? Curated music?

How about amped up entertainment centers on display and all the fixins that amped them? You get the idea.

For my 2 cents….

Shep Hyken
Shep Hyken
8 years ago

Nick has a very successful track record in some very creative ventures. He resonates with a demographic that may be a stretch for the typical execs at RadioShack. If his community is one that RadioShack wants to connect with, Nick may very well be the man to do it.

Kai Clarke
Kai Clarke
8 years ago

Nick Cannon is a poor retail creative officer choice. Running a retail store, understanding the retail dynamics, and doing this around a creative, business dynamic is very different than simply putting your name on a set of Monster headphones.