Great find this. Speaking to a mate discussing where I could purchase a few items I needed this weekend, he suggested Screwfix. Now I've used these in the past in my endeavours to find obscure tools and bizarre hardware titbits, however that was always via the online site (which I presumed was their only 'conduit' for selling stock). Not so. They now have dozens of these 'physical' branches across the UK, with a couple in [greater] Manchester.
My nearest Screwfix is based in Stockport, just off the A6 and a 5 min drive from the B&Q superstore. Slightly off the beaten track (on an industrial estate) I guess this is why they can keep their prices so low (and much lower than the major DIY chains).
Actually the store is more like a mini Argos: you browse the catalogue, jot down the serial code and quantity and take it to the counter. Service is extra quick and in fact if you're kept waiting more than 15 mins they'll present you with a £10 voucher.
Anyway, my order took around 4 mins which is probably quicker than picking the item from the shelves and queuing for 10 hours as you do in the superstores (especially the weekends).
Take a look on their website first of all to give you an idea of the stock (and excellent prices) they carry.
On the way out I somehow managed to leave my wallet on the top of my car (I've put it down to big boxes and trying to get kids into the car!). By the time I'd driven off to my next location I'd realised my error. Fortunately, although the shop was closed (I assumed it had fallen off in their car park), they phoned to let me know they had found it and would keep it safe till the following day - great customer service! read more