The Music Room

FWIW: As audiophiles, we need to support "brick and mortar" audio stores, at least the legitimate ones.  Otherwise they'll disappear.  The problem with such places disappearing is that when they disappear, then the following things also disappear:
1) A place to actually listen to and look at audio equipment.
2) The availability of expert people, who have made audio their JOB, to consult with about audio issues.  I don't know about you guys, but for me at least having the likes of Duane Randleman (an audio dealer I've known for well over 10-15 years) has led me on the fast track to audio Nirvana. Were it not for Duane, I'd still not be there yet. 
3) A local interface for service of audio products when they need service (as the law of entropy dictates that they will, not a question of if but when).
4) A tradition, that at least the older ones among us still appreciate: Visiting an audio store and chatting with "the guys."

dlcockrum,
Thank you. I personally think it’s borderline unethical to do what you describe as some others doing. There’s certainly nothing wrong with "window shopping" in its purest form. The problem is when brick and mortar stores are used SOLELY as venues to research products which are later purchased elsewhere for a few dollars less, thereby leaving the B&M stores high and dry, with all of the cost but none of the profit. They can’t possibly survive that way. If such stores go the way of the dinosaur, then we’ll ALL be paying the price, and have largely ourselves to blame.