What happened to all the highend stereo shops

@ghdprentice got to the first answer I had too, yep "the internet". That happened.

It opened a new world of used gear, then more new gear. It offered up a few hours drive -or- mail order options across a continent which hurt local dealers for sure.

Now people complain about not being able to "go hear it somewhere". Well...

Our last remaining local dealer (2 of 20) in my region is 55 years in business. He survives because nobody offers what he does. Has a loyal following, with lots of experience, and people willing to pay for it. In return they receive lots of amazing musical enjoyment, trade-in options, and more. Offers an experience the internet and forums cannot offer. Some customers drive a full day just to go there.  

Some manufactures are slowly getting back to protecting dealers again.

HiFi stores can’t earn enough profit in a market with diminishing customers to afford the rent. The lucky ones own their property or have favorable long-term leases.

this is a good point... so many ground floor businesses, looking at them, you wonder how the heck they survive -- quite often is the answer is they own the building at a low historical cost, so rent is nil and property taxes are low, and these days, retail renters can be hard to find even if they wanted to rent out the space for income... so they stay, just hang in there

Many of the comments offered mirror my opinion. Let me add, I observe that for the many who could spend money today, their easy and ubiquitous access to “a vast library of music” is a higher priority than “hearing quality” of the same music library. They spend money elsewhere. Plus, little patience for hearing old people talk nostalgic about their favorite “equipment.” I sold lots of stereos while in college during the late 70’s, and many, many people just wanted a stereo that “looked good and sounded loud.” For the majority, a system that friends and acquaintances admire for its looks, won over a less dramatic, but better sounding system at the same price-point.

I recently returned from a few weeks without my 2-channel system. I fired it up this morning and realized how much I missed the sweet sound. For me, my satisfaction and my investment is in the content, and the quality. Both components made satisfying this mornings “Chet Baker in Tokyo” hearing experience. For younger folks, it appears they are just as satisfied to dial up and hear “Chet Baker in Tokyo” on their earbuds and phone, ideal sound quality is simply less important.

I used to shop at the Tech hifi store in Brockton, MA. Also used to frequent Spearit Sound in Boston. Both closed their doors long ago. Audio Concepts took over the space where Spearit was located on Commonwealth Ave in Boston, but they were there for only a few years. Now, that space is occupied by an Amazon pick-up store! 🙄...very sad state of affairs. The closest Auduo shop to me would be Natural Sound in I think Framingham, or Fidelis Audio in New Hampshire. Tech hifi and Spearit Sound were the best! Sadly, In Your Ear records closed up shop....what a terrific record shop that was! They were on Commonwealth Ave in Boston for over 40 years! I long for the good old days...

This is why many of us have to rely on YouTube reviews and suggestions from forums like this one. I only have one friend/coworker that is also an audiophile. Most people I know have sound-bars or a home theater in a box.