I always send my new students to Tower. Do they have the best prices, NO, but they do have most of everything a new to the hobby person needs all in one place. Do I use Tower myself, NO, over the years I have found better places/prices. Tower isn't the only one that sells the name brand products but they have a very helpful staff and there sales service is second to none. I still have a great LHS that stocks almost everything I need. Big ticket items I have some outlets I use that have great prices.
I bought my Hitec radio from Tower but I got my Futaba from Buckner's in NY at a much better price. They were having a big Xmas sale at the time.Tower is still a good place for new people. I do have a problem with one of there devisions but I no longer need there service.