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Retailers fuss about losing walk-in customers, but it's been my experience that those same retailers lack the range of inventory it takes to keep them competitive. Last year I was looking to replace my stainless cook-wear. Not one retailer within 30 miles had any of the brand/style I was interested in, in the store, where I could see and handle it.
The same thing happened when I needed a larger knife block. Sure, Bed Bath & Beyond has a great return policy, but when they don't have in hand what I'm looking for, they don't offer anything different from Amazon. Not to mention the inconvenient location they are in, distance, parking, etc. that comes into play when I need to return something there.
With Amazon, returns can be easily handed to a UPS driver, or dropped at the UPS store that is beside the local grocery. Or sent with hubby, since UPS is where he works every day.
I get the desire to support local retailers. But they need to offer incentives for shoppers to do so.
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