In the US, Radio Shack tanked a few years ago, so we know how you feel, Art. When he was alive, Dad used to go into the local stores a lot for his electronic projects. Even a stint as a cellular seller didn't help. Sure, things might be sometimes cheaper online, but the brick and mortar stores don't require shipping and handling to be tacked on, plus you can take most purchases straight home instead of having to wait a few days for the postal or delivery service.
Ah, well. C'est la vie.