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1970 UP TO TODAY A LITTLE HISTORY
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 28,000 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.

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