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It's a vicious cycle. Inventory costs money. The internet is reducing brick and mortar inventory turns, so stores have to reduce inventory to only high turnover items. When people feel the store lacks inventory, they shop online. I own a guitar shop. While I am affected by online competition, most of my customers want to feel and play before buying. Every instrument is unique, so a blind buy is risky, unlike commodities such as electronics and clothing.

The other thing that can't be found on Amazon is the service and repair of instruments, which accounts for close to 25% of my business. Retail business can work if you work smart.

It's a vicious cycle. Inventory costs money. The internet is reducing brick and mortar inventory turns, so stores have to reduce inventory to only high turnover items.

In the middle of washing clothes today my washing machine broke. During the spin cycle the tub broke loose and fell down inside the machine. I'm not a mechanic, but I didn't think that would be a quick fix. It was only a $299 machine anyway, so I went to Home Depot to get a new one so I could finish washing clothes. They had rows of machines and when I picked out one, the sales clerk asked me when I wanted it delivered.

"I'll take it with me" I replied.
"We don't have any in stock" replied the clerk.
"None at all?"
"Well we have this display unit of a discontinued model. We usually don't keep them in stock at the store. We deliver them from the warehouse."
"When can you deliver one?"
"January 5th would be the soonest."

So I left and went to Lowe's, where they had plenty in stock.