I used to use Maplin's mail order service back in the '80's for my earliest hobby electronics projects. I seem to remember their prices being quite fair and they sold virtually everything you needed. I must have spent a small fortune at the time - such was my geekiness (enthusiasm?)
I remember ordering some components around 4pm one day and they were delivered before I went to work the next day. (Normal postage.)
Quite sad to hear of their imminent demise.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43223175
