On 4/3/19 10:53 AM, trader_4 wrote:

[snip]

Another problem is that the local Radio Shack stores are gone, at
least here in NJ.

I've looked at the radio Shack website. Apparently, there are now no
stores anywhere. However, there are a few dealers (who probably carry
limited items). The nearest one to me is about 80 miles away.

And for many years the supply of things like
electronic parts had been whittled down in favor of cell phones
and kid's toys.

Yes. The availability of electronic parts locally was very important to
me in the eighties, when I didn't have access to the internet (or a
credit card).

If you have to order online, there are many sources.
Another example of the internet finishing off local stores.

Yes, there are the places you can order from. I liked to be able to go
to a local store.

But
it has mostly worked better for me. Much greater selection, better
prices, it's just that you can't drive over and pick it up.

--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.us/

"I believe I have acted rightly in steadily following and devoting my
life to science." -- Charles Darwin