"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...

Maplin were originally mainly mail order suppliers of electronic
components. Then got themselves a high street presence country wide. Which
requires a constant reasonable turnover and profit to maintain. As the
demand for electronic components reduced, they diversified into things
like Hi-fi accessories, phones, ICE, computer bits and accessories etc.
The sort of things you won't find easily on the high street. And seem to
be doing reasonably well.

There used to be various chains in the US also - all gone except for the
Shack now.

N