I remember in the 80 there were lots of decent electronics stores.
Today there are almost none, and that is sad.
a few months ago I found myself needing a resistor, and I could not find any stores within 100 miles selling them.
I was tempted to just wind my own or bake one out of pencil graphite or something.
That’s because there are countless ways to order such parts online. No need to go to the store.
https://www.taydaelectronics.com/
I have dealt with them for years.
Fast and fair shipping..
Excellent pricing.
Last carbon film resistors I got were
like 90 for one dollar
Disk capacitors for a penny...
1N4007 for 2 cents ea
small signal transistors for like a dime ea
#23 Buy all you want and next day delivery
https://www.amazon.com/resistors/s?k=resistors
I needed some threaded bolts for wood and the 2 local hardware stores did not have the right kind. One employee said to look at amazon and I did and I now have what I want. More then I need but it was inexpensive to get many more then just several.
PGMJ 80 Pieces 1/4”-20 Wood Inserts Bolt Furniture Screw in Nut Threaded Fastener Connector Hex Socket Drive for Wood
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YY283GQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
Same for drill bits my sister needed. Some small diameter ones had broken and getting 10 of them was a choice but I bought her a 230 Pieces Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set.... $39.95
I hear you.
I could have spent hours at Fry’s in their heyday.