[Video] Hidden Vintage Electronics Shop: Chester Electronics, Kenosha Wisconsin - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: eti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2019, 06:50:52 pm
content: Enjoy, its a lovely old shop:

author: SL4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2019, 08:55:12 pm
content: Good volume (and reasonably well organised), unlike the surplus section of Rockby Electronics in Melbourne (AU).I often find/buy interesting bits there, but so hard to find anything, and no chance to go there looking for a specific part.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2019, 09:29:58 pm
content: I still haven't been, yet; but my brother has. My understanding, the prices are a bit ridiculous. But what do you expect, brick-mortar stores are hard to run, especially in niche markets like this. If you're in the area, and find something unusual you need, what more could you ask for?Tim

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2019, 12:11:48 am
content: Awesome find.Would be nice if we had one in our area. Looks like a "surplus electronics" type store. I imagine the prices would be high. Not sure how many people would be buying stuff from there. If it was near a University that had engineering students maybe, but if in the middle of nowhere? I assume running the place may be inexpensive, as keeping a brick-and-mortar place open in any urban area is ridiculous and may be cost-prohibitive for this type of store. In a rural area, if lease if cheap, or you own the building then it's another story. I haven't watched the video fully but I wonder if someone goes through and shows off some gems they may have picked up... I'd be interested in seeing if they had old used test equipment and what kind of prices they would be going for.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2019, 12:37:11 am
content: Yes... Kenosha is... well, it's no Chicago or Milwaukee, I'll put it at that.Less than an hour from either though, so if you're in the area.That said, there's also American Science and Surplus, which has two stores in CHI area and one in MIL. More general, less electronics, good for crafts/robotics/whatever kinds of things.There's also Ham Radio Outlet in MIL.Don't know any other local or regional shops offhand...Tim

author: eti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2019, 02:34:49 am
content: As regards prices, it doesn't appear the owners are milking the cash cow by any means, judging by the fact that they're selling IBM Model M keyboards for TWO DOLLARS!

author: radiolabworks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 06:56:46 pm
content: I am one of the fortunate ones, as I live only about 4 miles away. Their prices are not high compared to anywhere else for the various 'branded' parts or tools. They still have a wall of the old NTE parts and plenty of grab-bag part assortment packs as well. I run a small electronics business and will often stop by for heat shrink tubing or 1lb rolls of solder. Have even purchased things off their surplus shelves. A few years back I was able to buy brand newsealedprinter ribbons for my old Epson LX-810 dot matrix printer for $1 each! Not many of these stores around anymore. Gone are the days when I could visit the California bay area and be able to stop in at Halted Electronics, Weird Stuff, etc. They are all gone now.I dread the day Chester's is gone.

author: BILLPOD
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2024, 08:28:42 pm
content: I feel fortunate there is no such store near me. Within a short time, the store would be half empty and I would be looking for a new place to live