On 2018-03-01, Andrew Gabriel wrote:

I worked for a startup ISV in the late 1990's, and although we were
mostly software, we bought quite a lot of hardware. Initially, that
was all through Maplin because I knew them from my hobby, but eventually
we wanted more specialist things they didn't stock, so I applied for an
RS account. Back came reams of paperwork to fill in. A few days later,
with the paperwork still in my in-tray, and Farnell salesman knocked on
the door and said "Can I open a credit account for you?". I said yes, and
they didn't require any paperwork. Maplin and RS both lost out to that.
It was one hell of a coincidence - I did wonder if someone inside RS
was leaking data out to their competitors.

Apropos not much, I always considered Maplin a bit of a toy shop rather
than a serious electronics components supplier, even back in the 80's.
I was spoiled by having Electrovalue in walking distance though, anyone
remember them? Spent hours queuing there on Saturday mornings. Problem
with Maplin was they never seemed to have everything in stock, and if
you're building something, missing even one part is a killer.

Later discovered Farnell, and even got a trade account set up while still
at Uni, at their suggestion. This was in sharp contrast to RS, who wouldn't
even let me have a catalogue. Put a lot of business in Farnells direction
since then, and precisely none to RS.

Not surprised Maplins are on the rocks. As has been said, town centre retail
is dead. Battle the car-hating councils obstacle course to get there in the
first place. Pay more in parking than for next-day delivery. Dodge the
chuggers and beggars to get to the one store you actually need to visit.
No wonder there's only pound shops, betting shops and takeaways left, it's
only fit for people with lots of free time and no money.


--
Ian

"Tamahome!!!" - "Miaka!!!"