Electronics component stores in NJ?

[AviZiv]

This must have been discussed in the past and if so I apologize. However, are there any electronics component shops in New Jersey (USA) where I can walk in, browse and pick up small project needs on the spot? I do shop online but sometimes it's either a shipping time or shipping costs thing - especially if all I need are a couple of transistors, or IC's, buttons, switches, wire, etc etc. Sometimes a choice can be made in a minute if I can only hold the item in my hand...I'm located in central NJ so even places on the PA side could work. I'll drive an hour no problem.

Thanks,
Avi

[TimNJ]

Well, they have some components, but mostly a surplus store full of all sorts of interesting old/new gear: https://www.greenbrookelectronics.com/

[WattsThat]

While they may not have what you’re looking for, it’s always worth a stop: http://herbach.com/mm5/merchant.mvc

I haven’t been to the NJ location but they used to be the biggest electronics surplus house around in the 70’s and 80’s when it was in center city Philly.

My favorite was Baynesville Electronics in Towson MD but they closed their doors a couple of years ago. I always made a point to stop in when going to Baltimore/DC or anywhere else that required I-95 south. Sad day when they closed, they had just about everything.

[N2IXK]

About the only one left in the Northern part of the state is Wayne Electronics on Rt. 23 in Pompton Plains.   No Idea how they stay in business, as I never see anyone in there, and most of the stock must be 20+ years old....

[AviZiv]

Thanks folks - I guess this kind of confirms that the era of shopping locally for these sorts of things is far gone. A real shame and kind of surprising now that the "maker" community has exploded but maybe the newcomers are simply used to shopping online and don't know if can be any different. Sign of the time.

Cheers
Avi

[Alex Eisenhut]

Thanks folks - I guess this kind of confirms that the era of shopping locally for these sorts of things is far gone. A real shame and kind of surprising now that the "maker" community has exploded but maybe the newcomers are simply used to shopping online and don't know if can be any different. Sign of the time.

Cheers
Avi

Oh yes that ship sailed a long time ago. The makers usually have local spots they convene at so maybe look into that.

[andy3055]

Depends on where you are in NJ. Do a Google search for : electronics parts suppliers New Jersey

There are a whole lot that comes up.

[N2IXK]

What really seems to have killed local parts suppliers is the death of the TV repair industry.

Other than Radio Shack, most of the local parts houses were primarily suppliers to TV shops. When TV sets started getting too cheap to repair profitably, both the repair shops and the supply houses started closing down.

[AviZiv]

What really seems to have killed local parts suppliers is the death of the TV repair industry.

Other than Radio Shack, most of the local parts houses were primarily suppliers to TV shops. When TV sets started getting too cheap to repair profitably, both the repair shops and the supply houses started closing down.

Interesting observation!

[fuzzoli]

In days long past, I would travel Route 22 to the trio of stores (Route Electronics, Lafayette, and Greenbrook Electronics), but alas all but the latter are long gone.  Even Lashen's up in Denville has closed shop.

Since Greenbrook Electronics moved out of Greenbrook a year or so ago, into North Plainfield, and to the other side of the highway, it's greatly expanded!  They now seem to have everything from surplus to Arduinos, hookup wire to test equipment, and rows of individual components to kits.  It's really a totally different store.  I was in there several months ago and the new store is a consolidation of at least a couple of warehouse locations -- they don't even have everything out on the floor from what I understand.  Keep in mind Greenbrook is on the expensive side, but when you need that one special part *now*,  they are the place to go.   

[Renate]

I used to order from Herbach & Rademan a lifetime ago.
They sent out a circular on newsprint with all sort of weird and wonderful stuff, like a Norden bombsight.
The times have changed.

A newer company that I liked http://www.dipmicro.com/ seems to have ramped down a bit, but give them a try.

[AviZiv]

In days long past, I would travel Route 22 to the trio of stores (Route Electronics, Lafayette, and Greenbrook Electronics), but alas all but the latter are long gone.  Even Lashen's up in Denville has closed shop.

Since Greenbrook Electronics moved out of Greenbrook a year or so ago, into North Plainfield, and to the other side of the highway, it's greatly expanded!  They now seem to have everything from surplus to Arduinos, hookup wire to test equipment, and rows of individual components to kits.  It's really a totally different store.  I was in there several months ago and the new store is a consolidation of at least a couple of warehouse locations -- they don't even have everything out on the floor from what I understand.  Keep in mind Greenbrook is on the expensive side, but when you need that one special part *now*,  they are the place to go.

Thanks for the update! I'll have to give them a try once....it's safe to be around people again....

I don't expect them to be price-competitive. My desire is to have a place within driving distance where I can get something in a hurry and even more importantly be able to look at it before I buy.

Thanks,
Avi

[AviZiv]

I used to order from Herbach & Rademan a lifetime ago.
They sent out a circular on newsprint with all sort of weird and wonderful stuff, like a Norden bombsight.
The times have changed.

A newer company that I liked http://www.dipmicro.com/ seems to have ramped down a bit, but give them a try.

Dip micro seem to be Canadian and on online dealer, unless I'm not looking at the right place. Do they have a physical shop in NJ or vicinity?

Thanks
Avi

[DrG]

This must have been discussed in the past and if so I apologize. However, are there any electronics component shops in New Jersey (USA) where I can walk in, browse and pick up small project needs on the spot? I do shop online but sometimes it's either a shipping time or shipping costs thing - especially if all I need are a couple of transistors, or IC's, buttons, switches, wire, etc etc. Sometimes a choice can be made in a minute if I can only hold the item in my hand...I'm located in central NJ so even places on the PA side could work. I'll drive an hour no problem.

Thanks,
Avi

Don't give up completely.

Note that I am strictly an enthusiast, unburdened by the need to make a living off of EE production. Consequently I do the usual DigiKey or Mouser supplemented by the accessible AliBangBay places. But, when I want something right now,  I have come to appreciate a chain called Microcenter. They are an electronics Superstore, but they actually have a good deal of components, in my opinion. Simple stuff and all at retail prices, but when you discover that you don't have any super bright red LEDs or some flux or something like that - they can be useful.


So, I went to Microcenter on line wondering if they had a store in NJ - sure enough they do: 263 McLean Blvd., Route 20 Retail Center, Paterson, NJ 07504 and when I set that as the store selection, I see the message that they are temporarily closed (CoVid-19 related I suspect). https://www.microcenter.com/

[AviZiv]

So, I went to Microcenter on line wondering if they had a store in NJ - sure enough they do: 263 McLean Blvd., Route 20 Retail Center, Paterson, NJ 07504 and when I set that as the store selection, I see the message that they are temporarily closed (CoVid-19 related I suspect). https://www.microcenter.com/

Oh - Microcenter you say!? Interesting. I know about them only as a computer store - and never thought they carried electronics components or project supplies. I'll have to give them another shot. Both the NJ and PA stores are within (long'ish) distance for me but I need to explore them a bit more. Patterson of course has the advantage of getting some good middle eastern lunch while I'm at it

After we get through he apocalypse of course

Thanks,
Avi