My lbs's don't stock any seatposts, can't respace or straighten frames and don't stock 650b which the majority of Norwegian bikes from 1930-1980 need. So no, I don't feel the slightest urge to support them. They could have supported me and the thousands like me, but didn't. I don't go in there asking for esoteric springs for Simplex Rigidex for Gods sake. Just basic stuff that is mass produced around the world.

So I say remove all VAT on imports and let the annihilation of brick and mortar shops begin. If no LBS's in my country can provide knowledge, spares of any kind or assistance they have no place in the world. The stuff you need is only a paypal transaction away.