Maplin is good but somehow doesn't cut the mustard for nerdiness.
My personal favourite shop is Toolstation. I love Toolstation, it's genius. The application of the Argos (the www before the internet,forget Berners Lee) shopping experience to DIY.
You can get some absolute gems in there. Edges against screwfix in my opinion although their power tools aren't in the same league.
Wades, too - nostalgic about 70's visits as a nipper to see THE real Santa.
Rounder Records
Hanningtons
Woolworths - good value for some mundane, but useful stuff
Borders
Hunters (mens clothes shop in Nile St, Brighton)
Bradshaws.....London Rd & Patcham Village. Anyone else remember at Patcham junior school in the 50's of some lessons at the old school? The walk over from Warmdene Rd to the old village was always heightened by passing all those shiny new bikes in Bradshaws window. There was a newsagent next door & round the corner was Penna's the barbers. Can't remember any other shops....over to you?