We are seeing the evolution of the retail business from store front to the internet across the entire market place.Market forces will resolve these with time.For example a manufacturer could stop distributing its goods through retailers who mark up their price by ca.100%.Some european high end manufacturers are priced out of the US market because of the retailer markup.There are high end furniture manufacturers who have their own showrooms and avoid the extra mark up.
When I started the hobby 40 years ago the high end retailer was a hobbiest.The service was great you could borough equipment to listen in your own home,he was set the system up for you at no charge etc.In contrast the retailers in my area provide very little if any of these services.When they provide sevice at an exorbitant cost you are lucky if you get a serviceman who does not need a manual to figure out the equipment you just bought.I would be be willing to pay a premium for good service.I believe within 10 years from now only highend stores left will be the ones owned by honest dedicated hobbiest providing superb service including home installation.
When I started the hobby 40 years ago the high end retailer was a hobbiest.The service was great you could borough equipment to listen in your own home,he was set the system up for you at no charge etc.In contrast the retailers in my area provide very little if any of these services.When they provide sevice at an exorbitant cost you are lucky if you get a serviceman who does not need a manual to figure out the equipment you just bought.I would be be willing to pay a premium for good service.I believe within 10 years from now only highend stores left will be the ones owned by honest dedicated hobbiest providing superb service including home installation.