My feeling is that if you need to see merchandise in person before buying, you need to by from from a retailer not a web site.
Salesmanship might correct some of that problem. If a good salesperson explains that here you can get service and inspect the merchandise it blunts the internet appeal. Everybody has some horror story of something they purchased by computer. A really good salesperson can also make the experience of buying enjoyable and convince the consumer that this local business is worth supporting. A great sales approach will have them feel like they are doing a fabulous thing supporting their community and country while making their life easier. Maybe they need more sales training in the UK.
“....you need to by from from a retailer not a web site. “
I would generally agree with that. Plus I’m impatient so if I went somewhere to look at something I’d probably just buy it.
But I am also not the biggest bargain hunter either.
This year I had ZERO Christmas spirit and so started my shopping very late. I did almost all my shopping in actual stores.