There is a great problem in the retail world now where people go to physical brick and mortar stores to look at product but then eventually buy it online for a few dollars cheaper. The phenomenon is known as showrooming and Amazon, our local company is the king of promoting it.
Fry's Electronics in Renton. Single store per region.
This topic came up as I went to Northgate Mall and one of the favorite stores I like to visit is Tall's Camera. They closed their shop and consolidated. It was probably not worth having the lease when more an more people are shopping online. I used to be one of the people standing in line for Jordan shoes in Seattle. I dont think Seattle even has a decent street or Jordan Account anymore. I do give props to stores like 35th North and Alive and Well for continuing the skate lifestyles, but in a region as big as Seattle....we have fewer and fewer stores. A friend of mine Rachel who recently moved to NY also has commented "A City everyone wants to live in --with no places to shop....
Article references: http://nypost.com/2014/04/26/the-hidden-proof-the-economy-is-still-awful/
Which leads to always wonder...why did Circuit City, Best Buy, Barnes and Noble ...all these national chains feel they need multiple stores in multiple areas per region. Perhaps the secret to the new retailing is going back to the old mentality of the big box category killer. Kill your category, and do it with one super store. Ala Frys. Frys as to compete with Amazon, Best Buy, and everyone else on the Internet. They seem to succeed not because they are any better and cheaper, they become a destination. Another example maybe that of Video Only. Focus on one category. Limited the # of stores per region. Compete.
Maybe its time for another category killing store.