I'm pretty sure Amazon does price comparisons then either matches or beats lowest price. I say that because everything I compare from in-store to Amazon amazingly has price slashed to beat it. I still usually buy in-store because Amazon hassle huge next to walking out the door with your purchase.
I don't think Amazon's prices are what they used to be. I bought a Dyson vacuum cleaner that was marked $489 from Amazon (on sale from $499). Best Buy had the same vacuum with the price hidden (one of those "place item in cart to see price" deals) for $449. I think they do this so that Amazon can't match them.
Anyways, like you I try to buy in-store when I can. I'm tired of seeing empty storefronts. It's depressing. So I went to my local BB, where I make most of my major electronic purchases, and the same vacuum was marked $489 but the salesman said he'd price-match BB's website. Turned out he didn't need to. The scanned price was $449.
Best Buy is really trying hard these days to stop being Amazon's showroom.
I'm still an Amazon Prime member (for the TV services) and spend a lot of money through Amazon, usually buying small, cheap stuff I don't need right away to take advantage of the free shipping.