Maplin Electronics

[Crackle]

It appears that Maplin are struggling to survive.
It would be a shame to loose the shops altogether.

They have some good discounts on at the moment.

Mike

[Geordie McBoyne]

Some Maplin info: https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yor...-of-change

Geordie McBoyne.

[Nick]

Some Maplin info:    https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yor...-of-change

I wish them well, but it's been pretty much the same story for years.

Retail space is too expensive, on-line competition from almost everywhere is relentless, product cost (thus margin) is falling, and 2,500 staff (!!) Really?

Their fixed costs are massive and in a market whose dynamics are changing so rapidly, their current business model  looks, from the outside, horrendously dated.

[Terry]

The Maplin store in Ilford was tucked away from the town centre. The last time I went there I was cross examined by the staff member who was serving me about whether I wanted AC capacitors or DC capacitors! (Typically, the ones I wanted were out of stock but as they were all low value polyester/polycarbonate types, electrolytics didn't enter into it - I assume that was what he was quizzing me about.)

Anyway, about three weeks ago a brand new store opened up on an industrial estate about a mile away which also includes Tesco, Wickes and Curries/PC World. I didn't have a chance to investigate it before leaving the area but it looked a fair size and is conveniently adjacent to the bus stops on the main road that runs behind it. It's a new building on the northern edge of this car park so they are still investing in the business.

[pwdrive]

Come gather ’round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You’ll be drenched to the bone

If your time to you is worth savin’

Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin’

Lawrence.

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
I've been given Maplin vouchers on birthdays and Christmas in the past.
While I like a browse I often find what I'm looking for is either out of stock or massively overpriced.
I do realise the overheads being self employed myself at one time.
Like the song/poem Lawrence has quoted the Times are changing, no doubt about it.

[Refugee]

I have spotted one of the big DIY sheds that has turned into a click and collect counter with only a few special offers on display. Is the competition from Screwfix not getting at them?

[Murphyv310]

What's the competition from Screwfix Ref? Do they do all the electronics that Maplin does. Surely not!

[ppppenguin]

Screwfix and Toolstation (and Selco) have put a rocket under a lot of tradition DIY sheds, builders merchants, plumbing and electrical wholesalers. Toolstation and Wickes are owned by Travis perkins, one of the big builders merchants so it looks like they are covering all possibilties.

Kingfisher own both B&Q and Screwfix.

Selco is owned by Grafton who own a slew of other building, plumbing etc wholesalers.

[Refugee]

Jeffrey has said all I would have done.
The DIY shed is a Wickes with a Screwfix that has appeared close by.