I spend a few days a week working in the LHS after retiring. There's is still a demand for " I want to touch and see product before I buy" out there along with help with a purchase or product warranty help . Also having a diverse inventory really helps shops survive. The problem with the hobby manufacturers and local shops today is most owners are getting old n d want to retire and there's no one to take over the business. That's the big problem.

"When a new item is released, it is released for direct purchase before a retailer can purchase.'

That's not true from my experience. The retailer can Pre-order new releases and those orders are filled first. I do it all the time. I get new release notices all the time and get a break on the cost by doing that pre-order which I normally pass along to the locals.

Mike