Lafayette Radio Electronics Catalogs were well known in the 40's - for instance the 1949 Lafayette Concord Radio Catalog when they had 3 mail order centers (Chicago, New York and Atlanta). According to the catalogue of 1973 they started at the beginning of the 20's to sell via catalogs. Most of Lafayette's models were not the best performers nor were they the worst performers. In 1933 the catalog is number 53 and shows the address "Wholesale Radio Service Co., Inc., 100 Sixth Avenue, New York NY. Rider's volume 4 lists Lafayette only under "Misc." (miscellaneous, models A-11, A-12, A-14 and A-19) and only beginning with volume 5, Lafayette is listed under the L for "Lafayette Rado & Television Corp.

At least a "Tube and Transistor Tester" made by Electronic Measurements Corp. (EMC) is branded "LAFAYETTE Radio Electronics Corp. Syosset, NY". We have not yet sufficient information for knowing the "ties" of those two brands/companies.

Products of Lafayette Radio Electronics Corp. ranged from tranceivers for HAMs and CBers, and shortwave listeners to normal stereo gear - as can be seen on the front page of "1955 Lafayette Radio Electronics Catalog". Then they claimed to be: "The worlds greatest radio, TV and Hi-Fi center" (Catalog 10-55). They marketed many types with special functions, such as VHF receivers for police and fire channels built into a CB radio - but also already in 1955 "Transistor Parts". 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.

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 upcoming 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.

Today Lafayette Radio (Est. 1946) is probably in other hands and at least sales Discount Electronics (Home Electronics), Marine Radios, Car Stereos & Marine Electronics with a website - with a clear connection to Lafayette Radio Co. The statement is:
"LaFayette Radio, is a seller of Electronic Products through secondary sources. We use factory names only to advise our customers of product availability. We do not claim factory authorization to sell or market any product. All Our Products are Brand new factory fresh and carry full warrantees. The items depicted and offered for sale on this website are products of their respective manufacturers, who own the trademarks and logos used for those items. The Lafayette Radio Company is not associated or affiliated with, or licensed or approved by these manufactures." [www.lafayette.com]

By the late 1970s Lafayette lost a very competitive battle with the Radio Shack stores. The last Lafayette store closed in 1981.

As of 2003, the Lafayette brand name was re-launched at the CES show that year. Their products are only offered through special dealers and limited retail stores.

Further details for this radio manufacturer by the members (rmfiorg):