I read a business survey that stated that anyone trying to make a living from an LHS should have a drawing area (population) of at least 250,000. Except for larger cities and towns and their outlying areas there are not many small towns that can meet that criteria. Even then it would be marginal. We had an LHS but it was supplemental to another business so the owner wouldn't starve. He could and did stock very well and could order and split the shipping costs but there was still 8.6% local sales tax. He drove himself out of business when another club popped up in the area and he pushed all newbies that way instead of supporting the club already in existence. The "new club" was anti AMA and anti amost all safety regs.
It collapsed and the existing club inherited the flying site. The LHS owner was universally disliked by both clubs. In the end he finally left town.
I've always dreamed of winning the lottery so I could open an LHS and not have to worry about supporting myself from the business. Odds against, astronomical.