Your local store must be very different than mine. In mine, the salespeople do not have very much experience with all the gear. they *might* have experience with what they happen to own, but I have found I spend much more time out in the woods and trying out different gear than they do. Another difference is selection, my local has very little except for the most popular brands/designs. Of course this perpetuates the cycle. Rarely is the gear I use, except for the small stuff, found in your standard brick and mortar. They can't carry the selection.

I agree with you about if the store provides a service, in mine they do not and I have gone to some in many other cities and have found them similar. It is not necessarily their fault.

Like you, my time is valuable; I save time by ordering online. I place my order and go about my business and they deliver.