RE: Serious question for those of you who work at shops
I don't own a shop, but dang I've spent some coin in them. So, here is my two cents. Service is the main reason I frequent my local shop. Convenience is why I purchase online. So, you have to focus on service. Most people don't realize that your local shop has access to many brands not actually stocked on the shelf. If I need (as if)something that I would buy online, I can check with my shop first. If you have a relationship, normally the prices will be comparable and you're helping the local economy. They know me. They know what products I like, dislike, what I hunt, where, etc. It's all about the relationship, imo. They treat repeat customers with respect and as an old friend. They'll go out of their way to make sure you're happy and if you have an issue with something you can deal with them directly, not over a phone line. I'd rather Frank in town profit than Johnny Morris, but I'll admit the convenience of having something shipped to my home is easy. Make it easy and personal. And quality setup and assistance with tuning is probably one of the best services you can't get with any large retailer.
Kel