In reply to planetmarshall:
> we live in a global marketplace, after all.
Because if you don't support shops, distributors and manufacturers in your own country then there will be less folk employed in it and they won't have the money to buy stuff from abroad, a progressive decline of the industry? The UK is full of many great privately owned independent stores, with who people climb when they are not stood behind the counter, they deserve some support. These shops often support the younger up and coming stars with part time jobs too, or top up their income with a decent café. Not to mention the fact that buying climbing shoes you can't try on first, must be the first sign of madness.
Otherwise, in the longer term when you are in North Wales, Lakes etc. and realise you've left something at home there won't be a little shop to pop into on a Friday evening or first thing Saturday and buy your wot not. Internet shopping won't save you then!
And yes, it is a little disloyal of UKC to promote overseas internet trade.
Post edited at 09:50