Maplin Electronics

With Radio Shack in Chapter 11 Maplins is the only place I could think of to solve my power adapter dilemma. Luckily they were open on Boxing Day and had a power adapter with multiple volts and charging heads. But then I saw a voltage converter (200v down to 100v) for my American gadget. So instead of getting a new adaptor I got the voltage converter to use my existing US adaptor. Even better was it was slashed to £15 from 20 quid. Done deal. Happy shopper.

There’s something a little incongruous about an electronics shop located in the heart of arty, bohemian Gloucester Road. Yet Maplin seems to fit in rather well, with its laidback staff and unpretentious layout.
This is a good stop for good value electronic goods. There’s little which is flash or high tech, just the basics including Maplin’s bargain-​priced own brand. It’s fairly well stocked for such a small branch and I find it one of the better places in town to go whenever I’m looking for something particular.

This electronics megastore is absolutely hilarious to visit when you’re a distinctly arty-​looking, non-​technologically savvy female. When I visited as a student — buying something really dull like extension cables and something to do with a modem — I felt like the only bit of colour in an otherwise white, grey and black world. I flounced in and had no idea where to go and what to ask for, and felt immediately ridiculous! I asked the nearest assistant for help, and felt that he, too, probably thought I was ridiculous!
They are very, very helpful in here, and luckily very patient when faced with absurd people like me who think it’s somehow kooky and endearingly old-​fashioned not to have a clue about extension leads! All I know is that I have always managed to get what I need in here, even if I don’t entirely understand exactly what I’m buying.

This is a pretty standard Maplins. If you need anything electronic, computer parts, compenents Maplins is the place to go. This is not one of the larger Maplins in Bristol, so they don’t carry all lines. As they don’t carry the full range of stock, you may have to go to the larger Brislington store, so probably best to check first before making a special trip here. There are always good technical specialists in that store. Maplins is a bit of a geek mecca, not one of the cheapest components store but for day-​to-​day electronics needs, you can’t go wrong.

I am not technologically-​savvy and always feel quite embarrassed when I venture into shops full of technology and technologically-​minded people. However, Maplins is different. All the aisles are clearly labelled so you don’t have to wander around aimlessly looking like a zombie. I usually buy basics such as headphones, batteries and ink cartridges here. Headphones are cheap from £5.99 and ink cartridges are at least a fiver off usual selling prices. Maplins also sell a great choice of presents. I bought my nephew a remote control car from here, and the staff were happy to advise me on the right car for a nine year old. Maplins have lots of gimmicky toys and gift ideas for men and boys. I particularly love the ‘Granny Racing’ set — set those grannies loose on the race track and watch them go!

At the bottom of Gloucester road, just before the arches, maplins is an electronics retailer with highly competitive prices. They’ve got a good range of item categories, with things like car accessories, networking, lighting, sound etc. It’s a perfect shop to pick up those annoying extra parts you need for so many electrical things — connection adapters, for example. They’ve constantly got some kind of deal on the go, which is widely advertised on their large front window looking out onto the road.
The staff, who do seem to be new everytime I go in there, are nonetheless very helpful, and always have good knowledge of technology to help you out. Its only let down is the slight feeling they’re a jack of all trades and a master of none — their sound section, for example, houses only the most basic kind of microphones and P.As. If you’re after quality then you might be better going to a specialist shop for the product required. All in all, though, Maplins is a pretty useful shop to have in this good position on Gloucester Road.

If you need a cable to connect your doobry to the thingy-​ma-​bob, then here’s your shop. Stocking pretty much every wire and connector you would ever need, with every combination of male/​female bits (snigger) this has saved a few rewiring problems in my house as well as having numerous gadgets to make you feel like a spy… Open ridiculous hours so you don’t have to run there in your lunch hour as well, makes this a really handy shop.