We in Australia lost Dick Smith Electronics after nearly 50 years. We've seen it all before. We still have Jaycar though and Altronics in limited numbers in capital cities. So we haven't had to go cold turkey.
Would you be bothered if Maplin wasn't around?Sorry... but it wouldn't worry me too much. Maplin is very expensive for components so I haven't been shopping there for a long time. I think it has become home of the techno pro-consumer nerd and I'm too much a cheapskate to buy my techno junk from a bricks and mortar store.
I think one of the advantages Altronics has is they don't try to be everywhere. I agree it is handy to have a go-to store nearby. You can't hold back the tide unfortunately and seriously would anyone want to go back to the pre-Internet shopping days. My last internet purchase was a pair of TI MSP430 devboards. $10 delivered all the way from the USA. How good is that.
Not really much of a loss, they have not been a sane option for anything much for the last 20 years.
It seems that the wait time between ordering something from China and receiving it has fallen a great deal. Just a few years ago when I ordered things from Asian suppliers it would consistently take a month or more to get here, but now it seems many things inexplicably arrive in just a few days. Often when the date they are supposed to arrive is still a month or several weeks away. Some Asian suppliers now seem to be using Amazon to deliver stuff too. Which means its really fast, because if it comes from China it must have been sent air freight.
This likely sets up a difficult situation for retail stores, with rent, employee wage costs, heating and electricity costs.
Not really much of a loss, they have not been a sane option for anything much for the last 20 years.
Maplin are basically the latter day UK take on rat shack (Yes I know that was officially Tandy, but Maplin have ended up playing in much the same space).
Time was Maplin were actually useful, but you are pretty much looking pre internet, and these days all the full service component vendors will deal with private individuals on reasonable terms (I well remember RS refusing to play because I did not have a VAT number, you don't get that bullshit any more).
Regards, Dan.
The Maplin catalogue was the best way to find the best stuff. That huge document had all the datasheets that nobody had access to without it back in the '80s. For some reason RS had a holier than thow attitude and refused to deal with little pieces of shit like me in 1985. Maplin had the shops and the magazines too.
It's absurd that Maplin will go the way of Dick Smith, when we now have a renewed interest in "Makers", surely Maplin knows their core market? Ok they have to sell cheap shit from China, but they can add some value?
Maplin published several good books on musical electronics and guitar effects etc. by R A Penfold and these are still good books. I wonder if the publishing house will still be around even if the retail shops are not? Even though a few of the parts in Penfold's books are obsolete and hard to source he really explained the circuits and are good for people interested in audio circuits.
So even though there are no store here in USA, Maplin still has an influence.
I've got a nearly complete set of their "Electronics" magazines up to about 2000 (when it changed owner to Kanda and promptly went kaphut). I'd love to finish the set off.Hmm... would that Elektor archive include many magazines with cover prices in Rupees and classified ads for firms in Bombay? I think I have the same... ;)
I also have a basically complete Elektor archive from No. 1 to the mid-2010s, when that got a bit "meh".
Isn't this exactly the same scenario and outcome as Radio Shack here in the US?
I've got a nearly complete set of their "Electronics" magazines up to about 2000 (when it changed owner to Kanda and promptly went kaphut). I'd love to finish the set off.Hmm... would that Elektor archive include many magazines with cover prices in Rupees and classified ads for firms in Bombay? I think I have the same... ;)
I also have a basically complete Elektor archive from No. 1 to the mid-2010s, when that got a bit "meh".
I've got a nearly complete set of their "Electronics" magazines up to about 2000 (when it changed owner to Kanda and promptly went kaphut). I'd love to finish the set off.Hmm... would that Elektor archive include many magazines with cover prices in Rupees and classified ads for firms in Bombay? I think I have the same... ;)
I also have a basically complete Elektor archive from No. 1 to the mid-2010s, when that got a bit "meh".
Actually all of mine are priced in pounds - they're the UK editions
We have 5 stores in Ireland,
I've got a nearly complete set of their "Electronics" magazines up to about 2000 (when it changed owner to Kanda and promptly went kaphut). I'd love to finish the set off.Hmm... would that Elektor archive include many magazines with cover prices in Rupees and classified ads for firms in Bombay? I think I have the same... ;)
I also have a basically complete Elektor archive from No. 1 to the mid-2010s, when that got a bit "meh".
Actually all of mine are priced in pounds - they're the UK editions
Maplins went south with the dawn of the internet. Back in the 70 and 80's with mail order (snail mail) They were just about the only supplier for hobbyists, well after RS got all shirty and would only supply trade.
If they go they go and I for one will not shed any tears on their departure.
Much much worse would be if the internet stopped working overnight.
Even though I'd want them to improve in some ways (like get rid of those really *stupid* component drawers in their "stores of the future", instead of having them on display)
Also it is systematic when you enter in one to be approached by 4-5 "sales assistants" Asking "can i help you" what i find rather annoying... and makes me feel are they thinking i am trying to nick something maybe one of those drones :scared:
Does anybody remember Cirkit ElectronicsCrikey, I had completely forgoten about Cirkit, didn't they have a shop is West London in the early 80's, Acton maybe. They did loads of RF stuff, Toko coils Micrometals toroids, did they go bust I don't remember. EDIT: Bonex had a shop in West London early 80's sold lots of RF goodies.
Does anybody remember Cirkit Electronics, they tended to be one of the best for components and other surplus items.
Exactly the same "customer service model" as at Radio Shack here in the Colonies.Also it is systematic when you enter in one to be approached by 4-5 "sales assistants" Asking "can i help you" what i find rather annoying... and makes me feel are they thinking i am trying to nick something maybe one of those drones :scared:
Exactly.
"Can I help you?"
"Probably not."
Exactly the same "customer service model" as at Radio Shack here in the Colonies.Also it is systematic when you enter in one to be approached by 4-5 "sales assistants" Asking "can i help you" what i find rather annoying... and makes me feel are they thinking i am trying to nick something maybe one of those drones :scared:
Exactly.
"Can I help you?"
"Probably not."
The sales-droids fluttered around the door waiting to pounce on the occasional customer.
They were particularly attentive to attractive females shopping for a new cell phone.
When they would ask me if they could help me, I typically said "no, I know where it is".
Because typically, if I told them I wanted a panel-mount TRS jack they wouldn't have a clue.
Sometimes, I felt like saying, "Yes, you can be helpful by going over and standing behind the cash register."
So that when I had my goods, I didn't have to try to coax one of away from the pretty cell-phone browser.
QuoteDoes anybody remember Cirkit ElectronicsCrikey, I had completely forgoten about Cirkit, didn't they have a shop is West London in the early 80's, Acton maybe. They did loads of RF stuff, Toko coils Micrometals toroids, did they go bust I don't remember. EDIT: Bonex had a shop in West London early 80's sold lots of RF goodies.
Actually the thing I hate is that sales "assistants" not only pester when I'm just browsing but unerringly seem to be able to detect when I do want to make a purchase and disappear!Also it is systematic when you enter in one to be approached by 4-5 "sales assistants" Asking "can i help you" what i find rather annoying... and makes me feel are they thinking i am trying to nick something maybe one of those drones :scared:
Exactly.
"Can I help you?"
"Probably not."
I have vague, probably confused memories of Ambit (Brentwood) and Cirkit ( Broxbourne) , and Bonex also rings a bellQuoteDoes anybody remember Cirkit ElectronicsCrikey, I had completely forgoten about Cirkit, didn't they have a shop is West London in the early 80's, Acton maybe. They did loads of RF stuff, Toko coils Micrometals toroids, did they go bust I don't remember. EDIT: Bonex had a shop in West London early 80's sold lots of RF goodies.
I cannot recall were Cirkit Electronic were based, could have been London. The catalogue was printed in the most cheapest paper possible, but the listing of components was excellent for the time. Oddly I wonder if Squires Tools took the Cirkit Catalogue as a example to follow.
http://www.squirestools.com/home.htm (http://www.squirestools.com/home.htm)
Bonex still do most of the RF components
http://bec.co.uk/ (http://bec.co.uk/)
I used to purchase from them in the 80's. I even kept a catalog as a poor man's databook for digital ICs. And hey had a really huge books department.
ISTR dropping to Broxbourne once to pick up some Toko inductors I needed urgently
Before Rat Shack closed here in my area, I was going in a couple times per month and buying up all the parts, kits and Arduino shields they were clearing out ($5 switches for $0.50, $40 Arduino shields for $5, etc). Invariably I would end up actually helping other customers find cables and connectors, or fix a problem on their iPhone. It got to be such a regular thing that the manager started giving me an employee discount on my purchases. (Seriously!)$3000 worth of stuff at the original RadioShaft price but how much would it have cost at SparkFun? And did you buy things which you're unlikely to used because they were cheap? In other words, how much did you really save?
I must have spend $500 over 6 months, however I got nearly $3000 worth of stuff (at the original sale price).
Before Rat Shack closed here in my area, I was going in a couple times per month and buying up all the parts, kits and Arduino shields they were clearing out ($5 switches for $0.50, $40 Arduino shields for $5, etc). Invariably I would end up actually helping other customers find cables and connectors, or fix a problem on their iPhone. It got to be such a regular thing that the manager started giving me an employee discount on my purchases. (Seriously!)$3000 worth of stuff at the original RadioShaft price but how much would it have cost at SparkFun? And did you buy things which you're unlikely to used because they were cheap? In other words, how much did you really save?
I must have spend $500 over 6 months, however I got nearly $3000 worth of stuff (at the original sale price).
I remember Tandy selling things at very reduced prices, but they were still often more expensive, than the market rate, even in small quantities.
One big problem is many of the rare earth metals used in electronics are ONLY found in China.Nope. They are only currently mined in China, but they can be found in multiple places around the world. It would take time to restart old mines in the US and elsewhere, but new/renewed sources of rare earth materials is possible.
All bets are off if the West goes to war with China when you won't be able to get anything as all. Single sourcing is risky. Now almost EVERYTHING is single sourced to the one dubious country. One big problem is many of the rare earth metals used in electronics are ONLY found in China. We could start with high import taxes on electrical goods made in any communist country, thereby encouraging alternative sources of components and products. Ensuring more than one source is definitely a smart thing to do.
Back on the topic of Maplin, these guys are pretty much replacing the "single vendor hobby market" and doing a damn good job of it: https://bitsbox.co.uk/Maplin used to be OK but I think that they lost their focus so its difficult to know now whether they are in the electronics hobby, toy, computing or disco equipment business and they wind up doing all badly.
Exactly. Only an idiot would rescue it. Just let it go. That's 215 odd stores which can serve coffee instead :)
It's going from "I used to have a real job but now I just work in retail" to "I used to work in retail but now I just have this bum zero-hours delivery job" and we'll all have to emigrate to China to find work :(At some point there won't be enough tax from the real jobs to support the cheap ones. Boom!
Exactly. Only an idiot would rescue it. Just let it go. That's 215 odd stores which can serve coffee instead :)
My prediction is they'll close a load of stores, push out some PR rubbish about efficiencies and focusing on online sales, the pension scheme will be pillaged and when Maplin finally goes tits up in a few years the taxpayer will be forced to bail out the pension scheme while the directors retire to the Caribbean.PMSL. The taxpayer bails out the pension scheme, of what, the 16-17 year old schoolgirls who work the counter, or their 18-21 year old shop manager? :-DD
No one is going to war with China... China is slowly disowning NK over it because they know it...
Multi-sourcing is stupendously expensive so people won't do it. There is no economic sense in not going for the cheapest source if the probable return is good enough, which it more than is.
If they sold coffee or kebabs it might work.
Maplin makes ebay look like jesus christs own table sale at the summer fete........
Maplin makes ebay look like jesus christs own table sale at the summer fete........
Now you've brought that up.
It would be wonderful to meet Jesus Christ in person, wouldn't it? One day we will.
He doesn't need calipers.
Maplin makes ebay look like jesus christs own table sale at the summer fete........
Now you've brought that up.
It would be wonderful to meet Jesus Christ in person, wouldn't it? One day we will.
He doesn't need calipers.
The very quickest way to get banned on here is to spout one's religion in a way that seems evangelistic or promotional.
Anyway, we all know that it's Maat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maat) you'll meet someday, and if you heart weighs more than her feather you'll be given to Ammut (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammit) as a light snack. Who needs calipers when you've got a feather and a crocodile...
Spout religion on here, however, and you're likely to meet Osiris fate at the hands of Set (lets just say it doesn't end well, with Osiris in 14 pieces and his willy inside a fish).
as has been said before, given the huge variety of parts and requirements no high street retailer can cope.
Just curious about UK market, how much do you think the salary that is "reasonable" for a guy that works at the shop, that has decent knowledge on the store's stuffs and inventory, and also able to communicate and maintain good relationship with the walk in customers ? Realistically.
Maplin makes ebay look like jesus christs own table sale at the summer fete........
PMSL. The taxpayer bails out the pension scheme, of what, the 16-17 year old schoolgirls who work the counter, or their 18-21 year old shop manager? :-DD
I'm pretty sure minimum wage zero hour contracts don't come with a pension scheme.
But it has to be said it must be a much easier job than customer service at McDonalds or KFC.
Retail pays next to nothing, I'd imagine that the guy who sweeps our road every few weeks gets paid more than any non-managerial retail staff.
Tesco "sales assistant" - about £7.60/hrRetail pays next to nothing, I'd imagine that the guy who sweeps our road every few weeks gets paid more than any non-managerial retail staff.
Ans he would have a better pension to.
Ans he would have a better pension to.Tesco "sales assistant" - about £7.60/hr
Tesco "sales assistant" - about £7.60/hrRetail pays next to nothing, I'd imagine that the guy who sweeps our road every few weeks gets paid more than any non-managerial retail staff.
Ans he would have a better pension to.
Binman - about £8.50/hr
Not much in it.
Bin collectors here start the shift at 3AM, and have a run that they do. If they hustle, and do not have to go off half way to empty the truck ( got too full and plate compactor will not compact it any more, and the bags at the back will not stay on any more) they finish shift at 9AM and are off till the next morning. Council employees, with benefits and such that the general worker can only dream of, and increases pretty much every year, paid for out of rates. That house of cards will eventually come tumbling down though.Lots of councils in the UK have outsourced bin collection to private contractors, in the hope to end that. The downside is private companies have to make a profit, so I'm sceptical about whether it actually saves any money.
Does mean that bin stuck in back will go into the compactor, and so what if the truck is on fire, we will put it out with garbage....
Stuff from primark lasts as long as expensive stuff I’ve found. It’s all shit, all made by slave labour in factories thousands of miles away and that’s the state of affairs on the high street. There is nothing on it that isn’t shit. Shiny shop, shiny price tag. That store front cost a lot of money so you’re paying to shop in it. It’s a race to the bottom so the quality will suffer before the margin does.
On the subject of clothes, the only thing that has a reasonable price vs wear factor these days is outdoors and camping clothes. This is why everyone I know seems to wear some craghopper trousers and a fleece from regatta or berghaus. These came from TK Maxx or a sale when it was out of season for about £20 a pop. Also you can dry them overnight. Might as well buy shit from the lowest bidder (Tesco) really.
trys - please don't change the topic title to something about jumpers..
PS sorry for lack of bin related comment
Most Binmen in the UK are on job and finish, so are paid a fixed wage regardless of how quick they walk or run. Most of them run. If it wan't for a fixed rate, they'd amble, which all sane folk would do.That might explain the formal printed letter I had attached to my wheelie bin the other week. For many years I've been leaving my bin at the end of my driveway with the handle pointing towards the road. I assumed this was correct.
They come and get mine from the garden and put it back.That's nice of them.....
They come and get mine from the garden and put it back.That's nice of them.....
....but would open a whole can of worms should any injury occur while they are on your property.
They come and get mine from the garden and put it back.That's nice of them.....
....but would open a whole can of worms should any injury occur while they are on your property.
Would it really?
Same issue as if the post man trips up while delivering mail
I'm sure they have standard employers liability insurance
They don't understand why I refuse to buy a naked CMOS logic gate dropped into a plastic self seal bag. They must have destroyed hundreds of them this way. Wouldn't have taken much to sell them in individual ESD bags like any sane supplier would.
Its got to the point that I'm just waiting for the liquidation sale :(
Yes but that wouldn't give me the same sense of satisfaction >:DIts got to the point that I'm just waiting for the liquidation sale :(
It'll still be cheaper to buy the stuff from Tayda, which is better quality anyway and you'll just end up with a load of shit you don't need.
They don't understand why I refuse to buy a naked CMOS logic gate dropped into a plastic self seal bag. They must have destroyed hundreds of them this way. Wouldn't have taken much to sell them in individual ESD bags like any sane supplier would.
Yep, they did that to me as well .
Its got to the point that I'm just waiting for the liquidation sale :(
They only seem to sell Chinesium crap tools. I have enough problems with bin space with my collection being every two weeks already :)
They simply did not understand the business. Maplin was primarily a Catalogue & on-line operation, their core customers being hobbyists and those with an interest in technology and gadgets. They had a handful of small shops in low rent areas in large cities for convenience where people didn't want to wait for delivery.
Time was Maplin were actually useful, but you are pretty much looking pre internet, and these days all the full service component vendors will deal with private individuals on reasonable terms (I well remember RS refusing to play because I did not have a VAT number, you don't get that bullshit any more).
Regards, Dan.
When private equity get involved the prognoses is always bad.
.. and there goes Toy'R'Us into Administration .... time to get down there and pick up some bargains :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43225248 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43225248)
Mustn't spend too much so I can hoover up components at Maplin's later :)
"The business faced the slump in the pound after the Brexit vote, weak consumer confidence and a withdrawal of credit insurance."
"Like many other retailers, Maplin has been hit hard by a slowdown in consumer spending and more expensive imports as the pound has weakened,"
"High Street chains have been badly affected by lower consumer spending, higher inflation and competition from online rivals."
Time was Maplin were actually useful, but you are pretty much looking pre internet, and these days all the full service component vendors will deal with private individuals on reasonable terms (I well remember RS refusing to play because I did not have a VAT number, you don't get that bullshit any more).
Regards, Dan.
I remember contacting RS for an account when I was the technical services manager at an Acorn dealership "Orion Computers". The rep came round and it felt like a bloody interview! We spent a fortune there including my Fluke 100MHz digital storage scope costing £2500 in 1991/2 I still use them for some stuff as their choice is better and their site is good but their prices are on another planet! I wanted 3 4mm banana sockets to replace the sockets on my PM2525 and had to buy each of the three in pairs (so 6 sockets in total). It was £14 in total which would have bought about 200 from China :-)
Rutland Partners made the mistake of seeing a small profitable business and thinking that it would scale into a big business. The idea of having 200 stores was never going to work, anyone with any clue about the business could have seen it. This is the problem with running a business on a spreadsheet.
No, Rutland Partners only got involved in June 2014, when the branch network was already pretty much what it is today, give or take a handful of stores.
Boom!... Maplin enters administration .. 200 stores, 2500 jobs.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43223175 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43223175)
Now to put on one's mercenary hat and wait for "The Sale"
There's no mention of it in the current news which either means that the reporting is crap because they don't understand the idea of a pre-pack administration or the reporting is crap because the pre-pack administration fell through and they are failing to report that.I highly suspect that those interested have run the numbers and realised that taking on 200 stores is just not going to work in today's climate. The way I see this going is that leases will be rejected apart from a small number of well placed locations, then a new package will be sold that is essentially the on-line business and a handful of stores that are profitable. The trouble is Maplin is not a consumer electronics brand like Currys.
The problem is the brand is squarely associated with hobbyists, a general retailer is not going to see much value in a brand that does not have mass appeal. In fact this is the heart of their failure, they thought they could attract a much wider customer base than they actually could.Our local Maplin store doesn't have any hobbyist appeal at all. It seems to focus entirely on computer bits and pieces, and security systems.
WTF CEO blames the pound? :palm:
Zelf Hussain, Toby Scott Underwood and Ian David Green have been appointed as joint administrators of Maplin Electronics Limited to manage its affairs, business and property as its agents and act without personal liability. All are licensed in the United Kingdom to act as insolvency practitioners by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The joint administrators are bound by the Insolvency Code of Ethics which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/insolvency-practitioner-code-of-ethics. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/insolvency-practitioner-code-of-ethics.)
The joint administrators are Data Controllers of personal data as defined by the Data Protection Act 1998. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will act as Data Processor on their instructions. Personal data will be kept secure and processed only for matters relating to the administration.
WTF CEO blames the pound? :palm:
Well, the pound has been floating around at about 88% of its value prior to the Brexit referendum. If everything you're selling is imported (it is in Maplin's case) that represents a 12-13% increase in your purchasing costs. So, of course, that's a significant factor in the downfall of Maplin. I don't think that it's unrelated that over the same period they want from making an operating profit (ERBITA basis) of a few million (about 1-2% of a turnover of £235.8m) to a loss, also about 1-2% of turnover.
WTF CEO blames the pound? :palm:
Well, the pound has been floating around at about 88% of its value prior to the Brexit referendum. If everything you're selling is imported (it is in Maplin's case) that represents a 12-13% increase in your purchasing costs. So, of course, that's a significant factor in the downfall of Maplin. I don't think that it's unrelated that over the same period they want from making an operating profit (ERBITA basis) of a few million (about 1-2% of a turnover of £235.8m) to a loss, also about 1-2% of turnover.
That’s assuming they built in zero margin and had no other outgoings such as rent, business rates or staff wages. Staff wages have been stagnant in relative terms for some years. Business rates and high street rents in key positions such as those Maplin have however have been going up far more than the weakening of the pound against the Yuan, about 12% as you say. While the Brexit effect will have had some negative effect, there are plenty of other things to contend with, as I’ve mentioned, as well as, of course, the over valuation during the last couple of buyouts.
Quite right it was the the previous lot Montagu Private Equity who took over in 2004 that drove the expansion. But same thing they loaded it with debt and due to a complete lack of understanding of the business tried to expand it in the hopes of huge returns.
WTF CEO blames the pound? :palm:Brexit probably isn't helping but retail is difficult nowadays with online shops providing a much better and easier way to buy everyday stuff like clothes, cooking equipment, household items, electronics. The only stuff I buy in a shop is food but I'm thinking about ordering that online too because it takes me a lot of time.
In the NL over 40 retail chains collapsed in the past 5 years. Many of these have been around for decades.I wonder how that figure compares with other 5 year periods in the past? Retail has never been the most stable of business areas, even for large chains.
I've stocked up with 16 x 2 OLED screens. The green OLEDS are selling for £7.49, white at £8, yellow at £9.99.Tempting but ultimately just buying more stuff I don't need because it's cheap, it's a habit I need to get out of.
https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/oled-2x16-green-character-display-n04qq (https://www.maplin.co.uk/p/oled-2x16-green-character-display-n04qq)
Tempting but ultimately just buying more stuff I don't need because it's cheap, it's a habit I need to get out of.
Tempting but ultimately just buying more stuff I don't need because it's cheap, it's a habit I need to get out of.
Just buy one of the full dot matrix high res LCD oLED screens for £3 on ebay or £1.20 from China.
^^^^ this is why Maplin failed.
#define LCD_EN 0x20
#define LCD_RS 0x10
void lcd_reset()
{
PORTC = 0xFF;
PORTC = 0x03 | LCD_EN;
PORTC = 0x03;
_delay_ms(30);
}
void lcd_cmd(char c)
{
// high nibble
PORTC = ((c >> 4) & 0x0F) | LCD_EN;
PORTC = ((c >> 4) & 0x0F);
_delay_us(2000);
// low nibble
PORTC = (c & 0x0F) | LCD_EN;
PORTC = (c & 0x0F);
_delay_us(2000);
}
void lcd_clear()
{
lcd_cmd(0x01);
}
void lcd_home()
{
lcd_cmd(0x80);
}
void lcd_init()
{
DDRC = 0xFF;
lcd_reset();
lcd_cmd(0x02); // 4 bits
lcd_cmd(0x0c); // config
lcd_clear();
lcd_home();
}
void lcd_data(unsigned char dat)
{
// high nibble
PORTC = ((dat >> 4) & 0x0F) | LCD_RS | LCD_EN;
PORTC = ((dat >> 4) & 0x0F) | LCD_RS;
_delay_us(50);
// low nibble
PORTC = (dat & 0x0F) | LCD_RS | LCD_EN;
PORTC = (dat & 0x0F) | LCD_RS;
_delay_us(50);
}
void lcd_printbuf(char *c)
{
lcd_home();
int i = 0;
for (i = 0; *c; c++, i++)
{
if (i == 8)
lcd_cmd(0xc0);
lcd_data(*c);
}
}
£5 from UK or £3 from China
High Street Kensington, one of the highest retail rent streets London has to offer
High Street Kensington, one of the highest retail rent streets London has to offer
Why on earth have a Maplin on Kensington High Street when just a short walk further up the same road is the original Hammersmith branch? - that has been there since the '80s.
High Street Kensington, one of the highest retail rent streets London has to offer
Why on earth have a Maplin on Kensington High Street when just a short walk further up the same road is the original Hammersmith branch? - that has been there since the '80s.
No wonder they went under.
PS. I do remember a Tandy ("Radio Shack") up on High St. Ken. back in the '80s - opposite Barkers on the corner with Church Street. It was a total rip off and never had anything even back then.
Cos it was handy for Wholefoods?
We were oversupplied in Manchester, we had three, possibly four, Regents Park, Cheetham Hill and Oxford Road (the first), and there was another but I'm not sure it didn't close for the Cheetham Hill 'superstore' all under three miles apart.
There is always a reason for Wholefoods Kensington, the cheese room.Cos it was handy for Wholefoods?
I was tempted ;-) but resisted. The larder is well stocked with quinoa and kale at the moment.
Oxford Road is the only one I remember from when I lived in Manchester from '83 to '91, I think it opened about 1986 or so, it was quite a thing for a nerd.
Just remembered another fallen company: Cirkit distribution (Broxbourne). I favored them over Maplin for many years even though Maplin was closer.
There is always a reason for Wholefoods Kensington, the cheese room.Cos it was handy for Wholefoods?
I was tempted ;-) but resisted. The larder is well stocked with quinoa and kale at the moment.
P.S. IIRC they were Ambit before they renamed to Cirkit, weren't they?
Is the the same Bill Poel of USP Networks? If so, very small world.
Demon are the only one I know that is still going. I sued them once hahaha :)In name only as a wholly owned subsidiary of Vodafone; more a zombie existence to be honest.
Arsehats they were, I **nearly** sued them, billing cockup that was remarkably hard to fix.
We will gloss over the seeming inability to run a NNTP server that actually worked properly....
Regards, Dan.
That sounds about right. Our problem was an SDSL line that they hard blocked outbound SMTP from and told us "tough shit" and then refused to cancel under the terms of the contract to supply a service which supported that :palm:
Hey, nobody could afford to run an NNTP server properly. I was *so* glad the day that I could drop NNTP from the list of things that we *had* to support. NNTP ate bandwidth, disk and support time, especially when it came to policing it. I'm a pretty liberal guy, but some of the pure filth I had to scrub out of images groups beggars belief.Back in the day I did take a newsfeed (over a Telebit "trailblazer" modem, no less) and run a local server we didn't take anything but pure text groups - as you say too little bandwidth, too little disk space and too little appetite for decontamination.
That sounds about right. Our problem was an SDSL line that they hard blocked outbound SMTP from and told us "tough shit" and then refused to cancel under the terms of the contract to supply a service which supported that :palm:
That just demonstrates a lack of technical nous, as it's quite easy to support arbitrary filters on a line-by-line basis. That surprises me, as I knew the senior technical bods at Demon/Scottish Telecom/Thus and they were not short on ability.
Yeah it struck me as a one off name as well. Then again I thought my oldest daughter’s name was unique and turned up at a new job and there was a woman there with the same nameI had a call to deal with a new laptop for a young woman who's parents had had a *really* good time in the 70s if her name was anything to go by.
Under the wife’s direction, one of mine has a middle name of rainbow.I'm afraid my kids are going to not like my wife because of their middle names. I just made sure they got spelled right though.
Anyway back in topic my 85 year old mother, who incidentally is no technophobe and a bit handy with the old soldering iron, went in one today and came out with a big ass yuasa 12v battery. Not sure why yet.
Anyway back in topic my 85 year old mother, who incidentally is no technophobe and a bit handy with the old soldering iron, went in one today and came out with a big ass yuasa 12v battery. Not sure why yet. She does this occasionally.https://youtu.be/xNkrHJYzV0o?t=176
Once a company is under administration the Administrators become liable for any debts under their watch.
Once a company is under administration the Administrators become liable for any debts under their watch. So it 'should be' safer to order online from them now than a couple of weeks ago. Assuming PWC are good for a few bob.
Fixed Typo
I came across this recently and found it quite interesting and well written: http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html (http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html)Yes, I posted the same link in the `Maplin "in talks to sell the business" ' thread - basically blaming the venture capitalists, particularly Montagu for saddling the company with unserviceable debt.
There was a bit in today's local paper about Maplin. They showed a photo of our local store with the 'CLOSING DOWN' signs. The paper asked Maplin if/when the store was closing, and they said the 'CLOSING DOWN' signs are just a marketing ploy.The staff or the paper said this? - seems a bit bizarre or naïve
I came across this recently and found it quite interesting and well written: http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html (http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html)
I came across this recently and found it quite interesting and well written: http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html (http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html)
A long read, but worth it. If you don't understand how and why Finance Capitalism is quietly destroying the world you will have a fair inkling after reading that. It describes how successive owners of Maplin have bought it using financial shenanigans and then run it with only concern for how things look (more financial shenanigans) and no concern for the actual underlying functional business that it represents.
I'm not entirely sure how it works in the UK, but it gets even more complex when you introduce the "Crown Cooperation" et. al. Which, in the letter of the law owns pretty much the whole of the UK, including the citizens and a lot of their assets.
I came across this recently and found it quite interesting and well written: http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html (http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html)Yes, I posted the same link in the `Maplin "in talks to sell the business" ' thread - basically blaming the venture capitalists, particularly Montagu for saddling the company with unserviceable debt.
Sorry mate - I did try to find your original post but couldn't find it.No worries
That is usually done to get the profits to a low tax country.I came across this recently and found it quite interesting and well written: http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html (http://www.coppolacomment.com/2018/03/the-sad-story-of-maplin-electronics.html)Yes, I posted the same link in the `Maplin "in talks to sell the business" ' thread - basically blaming the venture capitalists, particularly Montagu for saddling the company with unserviceable debt.
Good luck if you get there and they actually have them!I did wonder that. But it said I could order online to collect and pay in store and the inventory has now gone down online. It's not a big deal anyway it's a short bus ride for me and gets me out of the office. :)
Good luck if you get there and they actually have them!Some of my order could not be fulfilled but now I have a few more ICs I will probably never use but it cost me only a couple of quid all in.
That’s the first serendipitous event that occurred in the history of maplin. Congratulations :-+Oh lord, I forget modern stuff all the time, but somehow I still remembered VDU or CHR$(141) for double height, and the VDU or CHR$(129 - 135) for colours as if by rote. I had to experiment to get the flashing CHR$(136) for some reason I thought it was 137 or 139.
Mode 7 graphics programming was my teenage years ;)
Good work! :DThe Advanced User Guide (and the Econet Advanced User Guide) where a revelation to me. Peak BBC was my Model B with sideways RAM, Solidisk 1770 (A)DFS, bare 5.25" FDD with DIY enclosure and cables, Demon Zromm Modem (1200/75 and 300 baud). Most of it went to my much younger cousins when I switched to the Amiga and PC. It ended up back in my loft after much abuse including coke spills on the keyboard, etc. I'm only just restoring it back to health.
Very off topic but one of my favourite books ever was the BBC advanced user guide. Peak BBC I had a master turbo. The only computer I regret selling ever :( ... off to eBay :D
https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=238_244&products_id=2843 (https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=238_244&products_id=2843)
Bitsbox are pretty good. If you want mid-range components next day for a low delivery fee they do a damn good job.
https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=238_244&products_id=2843 (https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=238_244&products_id=2843)
Bitsbox are pretty good. If you want mid-range components next day for a low delivery fee they do a damn good job.
I guess we all have our habits, I’ve used the tripad board for at least 30 years, although I don’t use it quite as much as I used to now surface mount has become the standard modus operandi, where I use Busboard products nowadays quite extensively, which also offers groundplane options.
The tripad stuff is good for breaking out pigtailed connectors to solderless breadboard, using the board as a mezzanine between the cable and 0.1” header.
My thoughts exactly - I did these a few years ago, and sell enough to others that the ones I use are basically free
Wondering slightly off topic:-
Getting PCBs made in China is now so cheap that it can actually be cheaper to buy a custom PCB than a general purpose prototyping board.
Yes, that's worth a thought. Tripad with a groundplane on the other side, (with clearance round the holes in the groundplane so a normal component lead or even a turned pin socket doesn't short to ground unless you make a top-side solder blob) would be nice for general purpose use.
Perhaps a topic on getting protoboards fabbed would be a good idea. . . . .
Nope, single pad is a PITA for through hole work - without PTH they lift off too easily and *EVERY* connection has to be solder/wire bridged to another pad. Tripad hit the sweet spot - you only have to bridge nodes with more than three connections, and its *FAR* easier to keep the pads in place as there's far more surface area holding them and you can solder one end before the other heats up too much
Yes definitely. I like Manhattan. That works pretty well. I'd like to find an easy way to cut strips of FR4 off though. At the moment I'm score and snap, then cut chunks off as required with some Wiss shears.
Nope, single pad is a PITA for through hole work - without PTH they lift off too easily and *EVERY* connection has to be solder/wire bridged to another pad. Tripad hit the sweet spot - you only have to bridge nodes with more than three connections, and its *FAR* easier to keep the pads in place as there's far more surface area holding them and you can solder one end before the other heats up too much
Nope, single pad is a PITA for through hole work - without PTH they lift off too easily and *EVERY* connection has to be solder/wire bridged to another pad. Tripad hit the sweet spot - you only have to bridge nodes with more than three connections, and its *FAR* easier to keep the pads in place as there's far more surface area holding them and you can solder one end before the other heats up too much
Easier still is manhattan over a solid groundplane - easier floor planning and often better HF performance.
I've never understood the point of single-pad proto boards/areas - the whole point of a PCB is connection.Nope, single pad is a PITA for through hole work - without PTH they lift off too easily and *EVERY* connection has to be solder/wire bridged to another pad. Tripad hit the sweet spot - you only have to bridge nodes with more than three connections, and its *FAR* easier to keep the pads in place as there's far more surface area holding them and you can solder one end before the other heats up too much
Agree it's a pain, my advice was to check them out and see if they offer similar, apologies I wasn't as clear as I could have been.
As for HF stuff, yes, Manhattan/Ugly works really well and is my choice too.
I've never understood the point of single-pad proto boards/areas - the whole point of a PCB is connection.
Single pad boards allow you to 'define' your own PCB, you place your components and then wire them point to point, a bit like wirewrap with soldered connections I suppose...But a significant part of prototyping is swapping parts, which is a PTA on a wired single-pad PCB
Howard,
You might have luck if you ring up Radio Shack (yes, bizarre, I know) in Lytham St Annes on 01253 714464. They have new old stock form the days of Tandy. 47 St Anne's Rd W, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1SB
He's got quite a few PCB types there, last time I went in there (a couple of weeks ago).
Trys
Single pad boards allow you to 'define' your own PCB, you place your components and then wire them point to point, a bit like wirewrap with soldered connections I suppose...But a significant part of prototyping is swapping parts, which is a PTA on a wired single-pad PCB
I'd like to find an easy way to cut strips of FR4 off though. At the moment I'm score and snap, then cut chunks off as required with some Wiss shears.
I'd like to find an easy way to cut strips of FR4 off though. At the moment I'm score and snap, then cut chunks off as required with some Wiss shears.
Well, it's by no means the cheapest way but the easiest is with a guillotine.
There is also another name from the past that I thought had gone but was surprised recently when I saw they still appeared to be going and that was Henry's Electronics, I have fond memories of their old catalogues which were an odd size compared to the rest and also they resisted the use of colour in their production.
Ahh the good old days when you really had to think about designing with the components you had to hand.
Ahh the good old days when you really had to think about designing with the components you had to hand.
Not relevant to them closing stores, but does the Maplin catalogue still have the category called 'Rodent Accessories'? It used to years ago and I used to find it quite humorous.
8)
An announcement today from Maplin:Sounds like the end is quite close now.
Our Website is Closing
As on Monday 30th April, our website will no longer be accessible.
Time for one of Uncle Cerebus' homilies and life lessons:
I've buried a few friends and relatives now. Some I've seen dead, some I haven't. Many of you will have the opportunity to see your friends and loved ones after they have died. My advice is to think carefully before you do this, you cannot un-see what you have seen, and I can promise you that the image of a dead friend or loved one is something you will always carry around with you. It doesn't mean that it will erase or necessarily override the living image you have of them, but it will add another unforgettable image. So, make a careful choice before viewing a corpse; I know people who regret allowing themselves to do so when it was better that they did not.
Here endeth the lesson, we now return you to the light entertainment stylings of "The Death Throes of Maplin" ...
Time for one of Uncle Cerebus' homilies and life lessons:I second this. I never look at dead people. I very much prefer to have a last memory of when they where still alive.
Many of you will have the opportunity to see your friends and loved ones after they have died. My advice is to think carefully before you do this, you cannot un-see what you have seen
Homebase? Out of the frying pan and into the fire!
Homebase? Out of the frying pan and into the fire!
Homebase is now owned by Bunnings, so we can now buy ozzie hardware locally.
Actually the have changed a large number of suppliers in the last few months.
Homebase is now owned by Bunnings, so we can now buy ozzie hardware locally.
One local branch has rebranded as bunnings Warehouse. My local place hasn't, but the exterior is looking pretty shabby so overdue for a makeover. I've not noticed any difference inside since the changeover
Homebase is now owned by Bunnings, so we can now buy ozzie hardware locally.
Homebase is a damaged brand, it has a reputation for being overpriced and not really focused on a particular market, it has a bit of DIY, home furnishings, garden stuff etc, none of it particularly well represented. The trouble is your average person has no idea that Homebase has started to change significantly under Bunnings ownership, so still have the out-of-date idea of what Homebase is. Bunnings would be better off getting rid of the Homebase name ASAP and using their own brand. People who would never think of going to Homebase would then go to a Bunnings store to see what it was like.
... and not really focused on a particular market, it has a bit of DIY, home furnishings, garden stuff etc, none of it particularly well represented.
... and not really focused on a particular market, it has a bit of DIY, home furnishings, garden stuff etc, none of it particularly well represented.
I don't know that that is unfocused, it may just be pure cunning. I'm sure that that many an unsuspecting bloke has nipped out for a bit of two-bi'-four, the wife's tagged along, and he's come home with some new scatter cushions, a set of patio furniture and two boxes of bedding plants - which madam would like to please see planted before teatime.
I still have no idea how PC World et al survive with such a limited and weak product portfolio (their key displays are often stocked with old products for example) when compared to online. Add to that their appalling reputation for before and after sales customer service, which they totally deserve, it’s a wonder how they’re still about.
I still have no idea how PC World et al survive with such a limited and weak product portfolio (their key displays are often stocked with old products for example) when compared to online. Add to that their appalling reputation for before and after sales customer service, which they totally deserve, it’s a wonder how they’re still about.
Ignorant and easily bamboozled customers.
I still have no idea how PC World et al survive with such a limited and weak product portfolio (their key displays are often stocked with old products for example) when compared to online. Add to that their appalling reputation for before and after sales customer service, which they totally deserve, it’s a wonder how they’re still about.
Ignorant and easily bamboozled customers.
A few weeks ago I needed a spare PC that I could take EMC testing, and leave at the lab. It needed to:
a) send and receive commands to and from a piece of kit we were testing, and
b) not contain anything that I wouldn't be happy leaving unattended for a few days.
An hour later I had a new laptop on my desk, perfectly fit for the task at hand, and for the cost of just a couple of hours' lab time. Job done.
Shortly afterwards, my wife wanted a new laptop for herself - but she wanted to actually see, and try out, some different models before buying, and you simply can't do that online. We found one she liked, did a quick search online to check the price and spec. It was up to date and competitively priced, so we bought that one too.
Yes, both times I was asked if I'd like to pay extra for software setup or warranty; I said 'no' and that was that. No pressure at all.
Granted, pre-sales "advice" was just as you might expect, but if you know what you want then that's irrelevant.
I'm sure that that many an unsuspecting bloke has nipped out for a bit of two-bi'-four, the wife's tagged along, and he's come home with some new scatter cushions, a set of patio furniture and two boxes of bedding plants - which madam would like to please see planted before teatime.
I'm sure that that many an unsuspecting bloke has nipped out for a bit of two-bi'-four, the wife's tagged along, and he's come home with some new scatter cushions, a set of patio furniture and two boxes of bedding plants - which madam would like to please see planted before teatime.
A man of experience.
But you would go bankrupt buying your 2by4 there. But this is how they make their money. For example I saw a man looking at double sockets, in a state of shock. He was asking a member of staff if the price was correct, think they were about €15 each. I told him they were a couple of euro in an electrical wholesaler. His reply was, I know, but I need get 6 now. It was a Saturday.
Last time I was there, looking for a camera with my daughter, the salesdroid claimed - and repeated when challenged - that every time you looked at a JPEG file its quality was degraded.
The Maplin website is now closed.I doubt the administrators had much choice. Allegedly the Maplin web team were let go very early on in the administration but hearsay was that someone(s) had enough fore-knowledge to leave some very nasty surprises for the administrators' IT people, some of which might be best described as gifts that keep on giving. >:D Prior to the purging of the components section a couple of weeks back it was highly unstable to the point that pages frequently hung while loading, 'Check store stock' had been crippled as had 'Click and Collect' so it was very difficult to reserve more than one of anything. Also, I understand there may have been some highly questionable scripts running.
Rumoured to be on display outside a branch :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK)Condition: “Never used.” :) QED
So now that Maplin has gone, everything it sold is valuable right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK)
Somehow I don't thinks that's going to sell.
On the basis that what's on the catalogue should be representative of what's available for sale......So now that Maplin has gone, everything it sold is valuable right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK)
Somehow I don't thinks that's going to sell.
The fact that it has pictures of people on the front and not electronics rather puts me off.
Now I wonder how much I can get for my 2004 Maplin catalogue :).
On the basis that what's on the catalogue should be representative of what's available for sale......So now that Maplin has gone, everything it sold is valuable right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK)
Somehow I don't thinks that's going to sell.
The fact that it has pictures of people on the front and not electronics rather puts me off.
Now I wonder how much I can get for my 2004 Maplin catalogue :).
By that standard, back in the day a lot of suppliers to the motor and mechanical engineering trades would have been in trouble. There was no way you could actually order a bikini clad dolly-bird from them, and if you could, I think the laws about human trafficking might have caused them some problems. The same applies to the people selling carded packets of peanuts in pubs.In pubs the bikini clad, or unclad, girl only appeared after the sale of peanuts was complete, so that example doesn't count.
On the basis that what's on the catalogue should be representative of what's available for sale......So now that Maplin has gone, everything it sold is valuable right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK)
Somehow I don't thinks that's going to sell.
The fact that it has pictures of people on the front and not electronics rather puts me off.
Now I wonder how much I can get for my 2004 Maplin catalogue :).
On the basis that what's on the catalogue should be representative of what's available for sale......So now that Maplin has gone, everything it sold is valuable right?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maplin-Electronics-Catalogue-2013/282963224113?hash=item41e1ec2631:g:zcsAAOSwNOVa91YK)
Somehow I don't thinks that's going to sell.
The fact that it has pictures of people on the front and not electronics rather puts me off.
Now I wonder how much I can get for my 2004 Maplin catalogue :).
They're selling the staff off as well now?
I was in Canary Wharf and the Maplin there now has the Component Racks including components reduced again. Was quite tempted with one for £20 that had a few ICs and transistors... but do I really need 29 NE555s in DIP? Probably not.
There was a Maplin at Canary Warf? :oStill is. [Not for long] Selling drones to bankers. :)
Homebase is a damaged brand, it has a reputation for being overpriced and not really focused on a particular market.
Bunnings would be better off getting rid of the Homebase name ASAP and using their own brand.
Australian retail conglomerate Wesfarmers is selling UK home improvement chain Homebase for a nominal £1 just two years after buying it.
The sale ends an embarrassing offshore adventure that cost Wesfarmers $1 billion and sows doubts about its future investments.
I was in Maplin's today and was talking to the manager who had apparently got a new job lined up with Homebase - so I would imagine he is not feeling too good this evening.... Someone with his hand on the pulse of things.
I was in Maplin's today and was talking to the manager who had apparently got a new job lined up with Homebase - so I would imagine he is not feeling too good this evening.... Someone with his hand on the pulse of things.
Is there a name for a person that is an anti-pattern?
Yesterday I was near Liverpool Street station in Londinium
Indeed. I am there on Monday. Business meeting. Why the hell cant people just use Skype. Going to drive in and get shafted for NCP and congestion charge. Did too many years of tube.
Indeed. I am there on Monday. Business meeting. Why the hell cant people just use Skype. Going to drive in and get shafted for NCP and congestion charge. Did too many years of tube.
Skype stops you extending the meeting into Dirty Dicks
Indeed. I am there on Monday. Business meeting. Why the hell cant people just use Skype. Going to drive in and get shafted for NCP and congestion charge. Did too many years of tube.
Skype stops you extending the meeting into Dirty Dicks
Can someone explain to me the lure of Dirty Dick’s? I only ever go in that place when someone from out of town feels the need to dictate somewhere to meet. There are so many other much nicer pub options, for example Wetherspoon’s Hamilton Hall is a far nicer venue and even closer to the station, physically next door in fact. If you don’t mind a five minute walk, there are some really awesome proper unique pubs nearby, like the Swan or the Lamb in Leadenhall Market, or the Jamiaca Wine House (Jampot) or the Old Tea Warehouse to name but a few.
Not a fan of any of the pubs down there. Depends on context but we aren’t allowed to frequent such watering holes as someone got in trouble down there. Gives the wrong impression.
Honest Burgers is nice near Bank though. Worth the walk.
It's become somewhat gentrified recently, but five or ten years back it was about the only place in the area that didn't mind a group of blokes getting properly drunk.
Not a fan of any of the pubs down there. Depends on context but we aren’t allowed to frequent such watering holes as someone got in trouble down there. Gives the wrong impression.
Honest Burgers is nice near Bank though. Worth the walk.
Back when I started work in the City, the drinking culture was rather different than it is today. Particularly when the US banks moved in in the mid 90s and took over, the lunchtime drinking thing pretty much disappeared, although it still pervades to some degree in the insurance markets around Leadenhall Market. Insurance, by the very nature of the need to spread risk, fundamentally remains a personal networking thing.
The City pubs used to close at 8:30pm when I started working there, I guess that gave enough time to sober up for the next morning, although typically for those of us working in the boiler room with a thirst on and not let out until 6pm, we headed into the West End after that. I can't do that now on a regular basis as I did in my 20s, I'm far too old and far too aware of my own mortality!
In the investment banks, it turned into a permanent case of watching your own back, everyone afraid to leave their desks for fear of missing a call from across the pond and you weren't there.
so what happens with unsold stock i wonder.
comercial auction, ebay, skips?