I don't know how it is now, but when I was in the U.S. I could get parts in only a day or two from places like Mouser and Digikey.(some text removed for clarity)
Another thing that I dislike is when you want something you have to order it from the internet.
I don't think we have any walk in electronic stores in Richmond. Personally I would probably still shop online even if there where some stores. Its much easier searching for X component(s). Being able to order and then pick up would be awesome tho.I don't know how many of you live in southeastern Virginia but PriestCain Electronics, the last electronics store in Hampton Roads, is closing on Aug. 27. It's going to be a sad day.
This thread reminded me my very first experience in buying componentes (resistors) down here, 50 years ago and the terse answer I got: we don´t give prices on the phone! I enjoyed seen that shop vanishing into oblivion.I suppose I can get them "Over-night" but at a premium price. Otherwise, I often opt for standard delivery because I'm cheap that way. It can take a few days to a week, it's not bad; but I miss the days of "Walking in, picking 'IT' up, paying and leaving with parts in hand".
Same with grocery shopping - wife has to explore. Send a man in to get milk and he goes straight for the refrigerated section and grab the first gallon of milk he sees. The wife - she has to peruse every isle, even though her mission was milk. She may spend anywhere from $30 to $120 on her "milk run".