I'm imagining that somewhere on the planet is a store that has the focus of Radio Shack but the aisles-and-aisles smorgasbord of fun like the places the Mythbusters guys go to shop for stuff. Looking for the NYC / Southern NY branch of said store.
thanks.
When I was a kid we went to Cortlandt Street, but that was before they built the World Trade Center (the original one). Things gravitated to Canal Street after that but it was never quite the same. Now I live in the boonies so I can't help you. Why don't you ask on the Adafruit site since they are based in lower Manhattan?
Don
Do a google search on "NYC surplus electronics" - you'll find a Make blog about something called "Argo Electronics" or such on Canal Street; I don't know anything about them or the area (never been to NYC), but that's where to start. I would think there is probably something in NJ too, if you look (maybe be a longer journey than your willing to travel, dunno).
Ultimately, though - you're wanting to find the area in town where "surplus" and "junk" is sold; generally the seedier part of town. The fact is, though - if you can't find something like that, online is where you have to go, for new or surplus electronics.
I'm fortunate here in Phoenix, Arizona - having a great surplus junk/electronics place "downtown" (Apache Reclamation and Electronics); I also know of a few other local places to go as well. There's also Electronic Goldmine in Scottsdale (unfortunately, internet only - so I still have to pay shipping, despite it being only across the valley). California's surplus places are nearby, too - both San Diego and metro LA have some great surplus joints (I like shopping All Electronics, for instance).
Other stuff, non-electronic - can be found surplus as well; also - some scrap-yards will allow you to look around and pick/choose, then pay by weight - provided you talk to them first, and wear proper clothing (and bring your own gloves/hardhat). Not many - but some.
generally the seedier part of town.
It doesn't get much seedier than Canal Street.
Don