Originally Posted by
jackb
All the people I know who run bike shops and outdoor gear shops make plenty of money, judging by the cars they drive, the houses they live in, and the trips they take. They can lower their prices a little to compete a little more with online retailers, but , of course, most won't because they want to maximize profits. It's all part of our economic system.
All the people I know who run bike shops pay a hefty rent for their space and are usually just making it. I buy my gear locally even if the price is a little higher because it's my way of supporting local businesses and the people they employ.