Since I was never in business doing this during those years and heydays, this is all I know. Post-internet 12 volt business. Makes it easier for us I believe because I have no past to rely on. Price shopping, and customer mis-education have been a part of this business since I started. So, it is part of everyday life-we know no other way!

And like Luke said, this business has come full circle. While most manus embraced the internet and turned their heads on the billion dollar business of transshipping, they finally have gotten bit by it so bad that they finally realized the profits that came from it were short lived. Now, every manu "claims" heavy internet policing and transshipping violations are something they are coming down hard and heavy on. The big boxes have finally failed miserably with car audio/video and left the manus standing there almost profitless. But here we are, the brick and mortar stores, still plugging along.

The manufacturers have begun to fully support our stores again-realizing the professionalism required to keep their brands alive and well regarded-thus leading to good sales numbers once again. It is bringing customers back into the stores-tired of being burnt by supposed great internet deals over and over again. Or, by purchasing the flea market and WalMart crap only to have it fail or underperform miserably.

I think personally, it is a really good time for the right companies to be in this arena. The good stores are most definately thriving and posting record sales numbers consistently. There is still allot of business out there-it is now just spread out over quite a few less retail outlets. Good for those of us left standing! Off rant...