I guess we must be one of the lucky areas up here. Our original Jaycar supplier in Maroochydore closed down. Which was no great loss really. Unless you knew what you wanted (from the very limited range of stock), getting useful information out of the owner was like trying to pull teeth with a pair of tweezers. He was just not interested in helping you if you didn't know anything about 'lectronics.
The new store that has opened (about 1km down the road from the previous) is fantastic. This is a MUCH larger store as well. The boss really knows his stuff and most of his staff are at least competent. They have an extensive range of bits/pieces/kits/and bobs, as well as all the really tempting gadget/toy stuff. Plus they are great to deal with and are prepared to do deals on some stuff.
I spent quite a few hundred more than I should have in there in the first 3 months it was open. This is besides the fact that I am an electronics neanderthal. Oh and did I say it takes me the better part of an hour just to drive there.
DS just down the road from Jaycar.....What a waste of fuel.