Radio Shack never was a real good parts store. Olson Electronics was better. There were some local
parts stores that were much better (Delta Electronics). Most all of them have vanished.
Radio Shack did have a big store that was great (can't remember the name) but it was similar to Allied Radio. We had a local store
here in the Atlanta Area. They sold everything from cases to test equipment. Like most of their other
trial balloons (Incredible Universe, etc), they went bust.
I will go to RS for small parts (led's etc) as it is the only local venue left. We are lucky here in Atlanta to have Fry's.
They have most anything that RS would stock and much more of it.