So refreshing to read this thread - thank you to the OP for taking the trouble and big up to the shops highlighted.
I've worked in the trade - behind the counter, for a distributor and made countless cups of tea in the process. Its easy to forget that most of the guys in the trade are / were hobbyists themselves and its far more rewarding to get decent service from a knowledgeable retailer than have to buy anonymously from some web facade that originates from anywhere across the globe.
I'd rather buy local and keep my money in the economy. Even if I could 'save' a few scheckles from buying elsewhere.
The only caveat is that the guys behind the counter have got to keep their end of the bargain - friendly, full of advice, competitively priced (not necessarily the cheapest) but with decent stock and support - oh and of course, good cuppas on tap.
There are good local retailers out there - sometimes it seems that they're overlooked and they'll only be missed once they're gone. Lets hope that's not going to be for a very very long time.
|