In reply to felt:
> (In reply to Antigua)
> [...]
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> Yes, up to a point, but the shop I was videoed in made it clear that I'd really better buy some of their shoes if I did the treadmill/video thing. Fair enough in one sense, as they must be tired of people using their technology, getting their informed opinion and then leaving the shop empty-handed and buying the pair -- that they were advised to get -- cheaper online. On the other hand, it's never nice being pressured in a retail situation.
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> Another difficult situation thrown up by our delightful Internet age!
Not smart by them but understandable.
In the UK though I think running shops are behind the attitude in the US. In the US the shop is the running community, its the UK equivalent of a club. You'd have cheap nights, you'd meet at the shop, have BBQ's out the back..
Such a simple idea.
Some UK shops are going that way but generating that sort of loyalty is the way to do it. In the summer 50-60 runners will meet at the local shop I use in Philly..
In Germany I get a good discount, the shop pays my entry fees, I run for his team, I even get free gear thrown in sometimes, so I'll shop there from now on.