For all those who remember the "real" electronics shops in Australia, whilst they might be pretty much dead in Australia, this ain't the case in Singapore.
I've just been to Sim Lim Tower, an electonics parts store mecca in Singapore. Nothing but dozens and dozens of electronics parts shops on multiple levels in this one big shopping tower. Tiny stores crammed to the rafters with both old and new electronics parts in bins, grab baskets, and floor to ceiling component cabinets.
Female staff were prevalent (presumably family members of the owner), and they instantly know the price of every little part. Marked prices are generally high compared to Jaycar et.al, but are very negotiable.
Many stores have lots of junked test gear, and some stores are specialised in say hobby motors and robotics, test gear, HF radios, soldering gear, or batteries etc.
Lots of kits and things around too, and you also see people sitting in the back of the stores just packing kits.
I have no real idea who the target market is, and with so many component shops selling similar stuff I am surprised they all stay in business. Customers seemed to be a mix of nerdy looking hobbist types, and the general public wanting general DSE type electronics bits.
A fascinating and compulsary visit if you find yourself in Singapore. Don't confuse it with Sim Lim Square though, that is a another nearby (massive) shopping complex for consumer gadget geeks.
Dave :)