A downtown Luverne staple traded corporate ties for independence. Frost Brothers’ RadioShack will soon be called Frost Brothers’ Electronics.

Technically, Frost Brothers’ Electronics and RadioShack have been one for many years.

The electronics store, located on South Forest Avenue in downtown Luverne, opened as a RadioShack franchise in 2000.

But owners Steven and John Frost have always called the store Frost Brothers’ Electronics. They answer the phone, “Frost Brothers’ Electronics” and tend to get the same question: “Is this RadioShack?”

In a few months, the answer the Frost Brothers have given for more than four years will finally be, “No.”

The parent company, RadioShack, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 5. Some corporate stores closed. Other stores were bought by Standard General and co-branded with Sprint.

Standard General also bought the trademark rights of RadioShack, and while all franchise contracts had to be cancelled due to the bankruptcy, offered the franchisees an opportunity to continue as a RadioShack.

The dark clouds in the wake of bankruptcy hovered over long-standing good independent storeowners, like Frost Brothers’ Electronics.

In an abundance of caution, Frost Brothers’ have decided to cease its relationship as a RadioShack franchise.

Frost Brothers’ Electronics, while loyal to the original RadioShack positive image, have decided against renewing with the new owners of the RadioShack name.

Without any corporate support from RadioShack, independent storeowners like Frost Brothers established new vendor relationships with a line of electronic parts that exceeded RadioShack quality and had a very competitive retail pricing structure.

John Frost said the business will continue to offer anything and everything related to electronics.

“When one thinks about electronics, Frost Brothers’ Electronics is their solution,” he said.

During this transition, Frost Brothers’ guarantees to offer the highest quality electronic cable and component parts, pre-paid cell phones and accessories, in-store and on-site computer repair, cell phone and tablet repair, Dish Network and DirecTV satellite installation, surveillance system installation, network setup, VHS to DVD conversion, while being customer driven and committed to excellence.

“Soon, the RadioShack signage will be coming down; some of our products may look different, but we will have the Frost Brothers Quality Assurance signature on each part sold and our reputation of good service will continue for years to come,” said Steven Frost.

He and his brother had a combined 15 years of experience with RadioShack when they first bought the franchise in July 2011.

Frost Brothers’ Electronics anticipates great success under the new banner and extends a warm welcome to come by and see the store, which is located at 64 South Forest Avenue, Luverne, AL, or to give them a call at 334-335-3030.

Frost Brothers’ will be unveiling its new identity in the near future; announcements of an open house will be forthcoming.