Originally Posted by willtsmith_nwi
It's all in marketing. The local bike shop is staffed by people who can distinguish quality from garbage (Huffy). Without this distinction in the marketplace, the only selling point is PRICE. That is not what quality bike manufacturers want.
But I'd still be buying from a reputable and experienced bike shop, only 2000 miles away. My LBS will still get all my subsequent business for accessories, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, etc..