Have been going there to get geeky electrical and electronic items for ages.

In the last two weeks -

Went in for a cordless power drill - got box, box empty, approach "assistant" in hideout at back who tells me I have to see the bloke at the front. Wait patiently for bloke at front to finish conversation with another (customer) geek - ask politely if he can help as directed by resident of hideout - "oh he would say that" or some such complaint (pardon me for having the temerity to try and buy things. After an eterntiy he returns to tell me they have empty boxes on display but don't actually have the item in stock - brilliant!

Resolve never to return but girlfriend needs a headset for moby - try every shop in town but no good - Maplin has what I think she needs so we go in queue up - GF asks if what we've selected is OK for her phone "don't know" says till lady. Can anyone else tell me asks GF - Don't think si says till person, then helpfully adds, you have 14 days to exchange if it's wrong as long as you haven't put it in your ear. hmmmm.

Won't be rushing back there - and I've spent a lot there in the past.

Shame, sounds to me like they've cut wages down or something. They used to go out of your way to be helpful etc...

Yeah, i've always found them to be knowledgable and helpful. It does help you you speak their language though.

I've had no problems with Maplin, they've always been fairly knowledgeable and helpful.

I haven't had a problem with the one in Edinburgh. I was last in a few weeks ago for telephone supplies for the company I work for. 42 slave adaptors for our phone system. They are always helpful.

Maplin's alright. I've bought a few components to build my PC out of there before; better than the motley crew of cunts at PC World