It is mainly the way the shops in my specific area are set up. My local bike store has a decently large inventory of bike stuff, but are usually absolutely terrible with any specific mechanical or in depth knowledge issues. It would cost them more money to hire better employees than they would gain. I understand this, but it doesn't make me want to spend my money there.

The mechanics on the other hand know what they are talking about (35 years experience), and when I am in doubt can tell me the parts that would work best, and order me the parts. They mainly make their money from repairing/refurbishing bikes, and have always been fair with their prices with both labor and things ordered out of the catalog. However, they don't stock much else other than tires, tubes, patches, screws, oil, brake pads, chains, and a some other nick nacks. They don't try to convince me that I need the best of something, when a lower priced version will do the job right. They will be getting about 70 euros from me later today when I pick up my bike.