Hey listen, Im just saying that the days of prospering "Ultra Hi-End" Audio Salons are, for the most part, a thing of the past. Only way for these dinosaurs to have survived, really, is if they integrated (no pun) custom into their business model, continue to sell exclusive high end stuff that is NOT available online (although it still is, and does), and they're located IN THE BEST UPPER CLASS, most AFFLUENT NEIGHBORHOOD you can find, thats a growing (building) community! Anything else, and they fought a losing battle vs every online discount warehouse on the east coast (and China), for no profit! Been there..done this...seen all that.
I must say that I do not go into hi-fi stores anymore, and I worked in a few over the past 2 decades. I simply play with gear in my own system, and move it on if it doesn't fit my needs. (it costs me nothing, ultimately..FREE HIFI!)
Hey, you can go to Carmax and they'll give you pennies on the dollar for your nearly new condition exotic sports car...and they'll also turn around and sell you the same thing for 3x's what you paid for it, if you're a buyer!!
This works for some...just not me. All I'm saying. I think it's the lazy route, for people who like to pay too much, and lose some "fun coupons" along the way, so they get an "experience". No problem. I just think the world of audio/video doesn't like that model as much anymore. Used survives, and new struggles...at least over the counter.
Still, I respect and even enjoyed the years of prosperity of hi-end AV goodies and surround sound infantcy , represented in a nicely laid out store front, with a knowledgeably staffed sales crew.
Them were the dayzz.....