Hey, I'm currently in Finland and I'll be heading to London in two weeks -- just wondering if anyone can recommend any electronics stores that would carry Arduino products (lilypad components, specifically). I was thinking to order something online and have it shipped here, but then it occurred to me that I'll be in London where I could most certainly find somewhere that sells components.
Recommendations?
I'm sure I'll probably be corrected, but I don't know any - I buy all my Arduino stuff mail-order.
It's London! Surely there must be some place!
No, really, I don't know anywhere, but then, London's a pretty big place.
If you're after components, then there are lots of Maplin stores, but I don't know any specialist Arduino stores.
tinker.it are based in central London. You should check if they have stock and are happy for you to call in, though.
http://www.tinker.it/en/Main/Contact
Maplin's is pretty useless these days, unless you want something basic like resistors, solder or battery connectors.
thanks, mungbean!
I'm going to contact them
Tampere?
You're not visiting Southwood by any chance?
what's southwood?
Cricklewood Electronics (Cricklewood Broadway) was a proper electronics shop with components & things the last time I went there a few years ago.
Edit: Just reread the original post Thay are not going to have any Arduino parts though.
what's southwood?
Sorry, I saw Tampere, and thought of Finland's most famous export.
AWOL: I'm new in this city, and to Finland itself. I'm not familiar with this export.
I'm not familiar with this export
Just 15km west of Tampere is a small town called Nokia...
ah, okay.
now I understand.
I mean, I had to google "southwood" to understand its relation to Nokia, buuut...yeh.
PS. no points for humour 
I am so confident that you wont find a shop that sells Arduino in London, so if you do, I will pay for it!!! (have looked myself many times)
Call me picky, but Orpington isn't exactly "London", is it?
Does it matter if you are ordering online?
I wanted to find a store that I could buy it at, rather than order online.
I don't think there is any store anywhere in the world where you can go in and buy Arduino's or shields. They are all (or mostly) online stores.
As for components the only option you get really is the very expensive Maplin's store.
Most online stores are very quick at getting stuff out to you. If you are in London a few days then make your order before you fly and by the time you get there it will have arrived.