They tried to catch the home hobbyist movement again -- they really did. I remember being excited about Arduinos showing up and guaranteed component stock.

Then I needed some parts on short notice. Their supply was present but incomplete enough to be frustrating, and when I asked one of the employees about their inventory, I got "I'm sorry; I'm not sure. You're likely to know more about that than I do." I really appreciate the employee being up front with me instead of jerking me around, but it's disappointing that Radio Shack couldn't (or wouldn't) commit to having at least one employee educated in the hobbyist electronics section.

Now, I pay a monthly fee at a hackerspace and have better access to component stock and knowledge than I expect any brick and mortar store to provide.

The community finds a way.