Unfortunately the bricks and mortar guys really have to differentiate themselves to survive. Back in the day, you got a location, got some inventory, hung a sign, went to a chamber of commerce meeting, sponsored a little league team, became a part of the community and people would shop with you as long as the cost of doing so was not way out of line. The idea of a major purchase made outside of your area was really out of the question for service and peace of mind reasons.
Today, product reliability is far superior and transportation costs are much lower to ship. etc. and availability of virtually everything is amazing. As far as this particular dealer, I don't know anything about them. BUT, if a dealer simply unlocks the door and expects a sufficient level of business to survive is naive at best and arrogant at worst. If you are located in the LA area, which Pasadena certainly is, and you aren't cultivating a good and sustainable customer base with a lineup of brands that people want to buy, you aren't trying very hard.
Today, product reliability is far superior and transportation costs are much lower to ship. etc. and availability of virtually everything is amazing. As far as this particular dealer, I don't know anything about them. BUT, if a dealer simply unlocks the door and expects a sufficient level of business to survive is naive at best and arrogant at worst. If you are located in the LA area, which Pasadena certainly is, and you aren't cultivating a good and sustainable customer base with a lineup of brands that people want to buy, you aren't trying very hard.