Maplin. Fantastic place.
I've had a soft spot for them since I was a kid. In the days before the internet I used to get their catalogue. It was about 2 yellow pages thick. Massive. Loved the build an RC car from scratch, kits.

Don't know your age but it was Tandy for me as a kid, same thing though. No longer around in the UK... used to love wondering around aimlessly in awe of all the things I couldn't afford. I did however buy components for crazy, home made electronic stuff.
Maplins are great for small things, not so good on bigger more expensive stuff as they can't really keep up to date. For example, DJ equipment is often out of date and over priced, same with many PC related items.