RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2026
6
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com
Moe's Musings Views
Happy Retailing and Happy New Year,
We proudly support the following trade
associations and buying groups throughout
North America whose news and information
greatly contribute to the quality of The Retail
Observer and the education of our readers.
www.asid.org
www.cedia.net
www.dpha.net
www.feigroup.net
www.htsa.com
www.cta.tech
www.cantrex.com
www.unitedservicers.com
www.NKBA.org
www.necoalliance.com
www.psaworld.org
www.prosourceinfo.com
THE RETAIL
www.nahb.org
www.natmcorp.com
www.NARI.org
nationwidegroup.org
www.aham.org
www.rtohq.org
www.joinbrandsource.com
The Retail Observer is celebrating its 36th Anniversary. The first issue of
our magazine was printed in 1990, yet we tout "An Eye on the Industry Since
1970". Here's a little history as to why.
In 1970, Chuck Edmonds bought a franchise from a local TV/appliance
newspaper which he named the Northern California Retailer. In a full
newspaper format, this magazine went out to both local brown and white
good dealers in the Northern California market. This "rag" as many lovingly
referred to it, lasted until 1983 under his sole leadership.
In 1983, it was sold to Don Martin, a competitor in Southern California
who renamed it TAD (TV Appliance Dealer). The magazine's reach grew,
covering Southern California, Northern California, the Northwest and the
Rocky Mountain/Southwest areas. Chuck stayed on under Don's leadership.
In 1990, Don and his wife, Kasnea, (both NKBA Hall of Famers) sold the
magazine and decided to start Kasmar Publications. Chuck went on to
restart where he left off and formed a new publication called Retail Observer.
He, along with longtime friend, Lee Boucher, ran this new version of the
magazine until 2007 and increased its outreach even further to 31 states
and approximately 6,000 followers.
In 2007, the magazine was purchased, given new life, and was
affectionately renamed The Retail Observer, the magazine you are reading
today. It now has over 21,000 subscribers, is being read in over 35 countries,
and is available only in a digital version as of this issue. Eliana, our team at
The Retail Observer and I are very proud of the history that has been
inherited and we look forward to continuing the legacy of this beloved "rag"
in 2026 and for years to come.
tribgroup.com
1970 UP TO TODAY
A LITTLE HISTORY
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