LaFayette Radio
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Lafayette Radio was a radio manufacturer and retailer based in Syosset, New York. The company sold radio sets, amateur radio equipment, citizen's band (CB) radios, and other communications equipment, as well as electronic components and even tools, through retail outlets as well as by mail-order.
Most of Lafayette's models were not the best performers nor were they the worst performers. Products ranged from stereos to two-way radios for Hams and CBers, and shortwave listeners. Many were dedicated types with special functions, such as VHF receivers for police and fire channels built into a CB radio. A complete model line included many models and brand names to choose from for just about any purpose, as opposed to just a few. The product line also covered other manufacturers' products through seasonal catalogs. The company's best selling products were often shortwave receivers, parts, and portable radios. In the 1960s, most Lafayette brand radios were rebranded Trio-Kenwood sets, which were of moderate performance and build quality.
A thriving mail-order catalog business in electronic components was a boon to the amateur radio operators and electronic hobbyist located in areas where such components were not available in local retail outlets.
Lafayette's main competitors were Radio Shack, Allied Radio, Heathkit, and "mom and pop" (independent) radio dealers throughout the United States.
The downfall of Lafayette Radio began in the early 1970s, following the poor choice to invest in 23-channel CB radios, rather than the 40-channel CB radios approved by the FCC. With less than 100 stores, far fewer than the aggressively expanding Radio Shack's thousands of local outlets, Lafayette Radio remained more of a dedicated enthusiasts' store than a mass marketer.
The banned 23 channel CB radios became illegal for sale, resulting in unsold stock in the company's warehouses. The next blow to the company was the advent of electronics retailers relying on aggressive marketing techniques and competitive pricing in the late 1970s. Formerly a national chain, the remaining Lafayette stores in the state of New York closed by the end of 1979.
Some local Lafayette stores remained open until 1981. For example, the Long Branch, New Jersey store finally closed in the Fall of 1981. Unsold inventory was literally shovelled into dumpsters overnight to vacate the store.
One store in the Trenton, NJ area went on independently to become known as "Laraco Electronics". Laraco had one retail location that served the area on Business Route 1 in Lawrenceville, NJ until its closing in late 2002. In the final years of Laraco Electronics existence they were also an interenet retailer found at www.laracoelectronics.com and a seller on ebay, and Amazon.
One product of interest from Lafayette Radio Corporation was a small Atom Smasher (van de Graaff generator), Model F-371. The address for this product was listed as 165-08 Liberty Ave., Jamaica 33, N.Y.
