I was in a local knitting store today paroosing the books with patterns looking for a specific pattern for a sweater I'd like to make. A couple came in and was asking questions about different yarns then asked for the yarn to be rolled and then promptly told the owner that she couldn't possibly purchase another item because she could buy it on Amazon for less. REALLY?!?!?! I was in shock and being a previous owner of a business, I know the anger and pain that is felt when a comment like this is made.
I have no idea if the customer understands the gravity of her comment. She walked in to the store (which you cannot do at Amazon), asked questions live (which you cannot do at Amazon), had the owner roll the yarns (which you cannot do at Amazon), felt the yarns and looked at the real, live yarns - NONE OF WHICH YOU CAN DO AT AMAZON!
I was literally screaming inside knowing this is the problem with our society. They have no idea the impact the purchases from Amazon have on our stores.
Have a problem? Go in to the store
Have a return? Go in the store
Have a question, can't find the answer? Go in the store
Want to enjoy a hot cup of coffee? Go in the store
Looking to get out and be around people? Go in the store
Want suggestions? Go to the store
NONE OF THESE THINGS CAN BE DONE AT AMAZON
Yet people are constantly KILLING all brick and mortar stores. Do they have low prices? YES but this is BECAUSE they cannot offer any of these things. There is no overhead they have to pay, like the payroll of the people who smile, offer services, do returns, answer questions and take problems FACE TO FACE.
I implore you to consider when you are WALKING IN A STORE how much money are you spending, how much time are you using, making a return and NOT a purchase, what type of resources are you consuming COMPARED TO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CLICK IN AMAZON.
