Whilst I think the internet is an amasing thing in a lot of ways for information, maps, communicating with people via forums etc I do actually think it's a shame that it's had such a major impact on local high street stores as so many are closing ... but it's not just that.

About 6/7 years ago there were 3 hi-fi shops in my town ... now there are none ... I remember though going into one of them window shopping to a degree (but knew I'd buy eventually) for a mini / midi system for the kitchen, the system I went in to hear I wasn't overly impressed with so didn't buy it and went back to researching alternatives but you really felt they were skeptical to every customer that walked through the door and they thought you were just there to sound check something before buying online.

I had another situation 10 days ago .... I desperately want to buy a gravel bike but don't have the funds available at the moment, I went into the LBS to try a Specialized Diverge I knew they had in stock for size but also as I'm self employed if I see / feel / touch something I really want it motivates me to work harder so I can earn more money to buy the toys I want.

I said to the person the minute I walked in I'm not buying today I wanted to try it for size / feel and was considering the model up from what they had in stock when the funds were available, I think initially he thought he could of converted me there and then and was all enthusiastic and when he realised he couldn't OR he thought I was trying it for size to buy from elsewhere online his whole demeanor changed and he became almost rude and totally disinterested.

There are some things I'd never buy online because they're high value (over £50) and too big and bulky making it too much hassle to send back if there was ever a problem .... stereo systems and a bikes (partially because of the 6 week tune up as well) .... both fall in this category but both stores pre-judged a situation and give you no incentive to return and buy from them in the future because if that's the level of service you receive you may as well just buy online. Certainly in terms of the LBS, they're the only local Specialized dealer so I wasn't going to go elsewhere (especially as they're all locked to set retail prices) if that was the bike I decided I wanted but would now consider other alternatives.

Incidentally my friend went into the same LBS and bought a £1000 Cube 29er, he didn't realise it didn't come with pedals so negotiated that a set of pedals would be included for the asking price.
As they didn't have it in his size he couldn't take it away with him that day (Thursday) .. they said the bike would be ready on the following Tuesday, he went to pick it up and they tried charging him extra for the pedals.
hen he queried it they said that was the offer on the day you agreed to buy it and as it's now 5 days later it's no longer valid he went nuts and pointed out the only reason he couldn't take it away on the day was because they couldn't supply it and if that was their attitude cancel the order and refund the deposit .... they very reluctantly honored it and included some pedals.

When he took it in for it's 6 week check over, they appeared reluctant to do it at all and had virtually no interest in gear change issues (which was probably just minor adjustment as cables had stretched) and generally seemed totally disinterested altogether ... he doesn't think they actually adjusted anything but just left it in the shop for a day until he picked it up.

I do get the shops are maybe getting a bit disillusioned but they also have to encourage you to go back, my experience sizing the Diverge combined with my friends experience who said he'd never buy anything from them again ... why would I want to go back there so there is a little bit of chicken and egg .... If you go somewhere and get really great service / advice you generally don't mind paying the extra especially as you want to take your new toy home there and then