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@JWestland
Chainreaction Cycles/Spa Cycles/SJS cycles have all combined online retailing with an actual shop.
In the case of CRC, the have extended opening times but I still tend to use their online store, even though they are nearby. But as they are in walking distance and other shops aren't, and I don't have a car, when stuck I would go to them.
However, there's a local bike workshop too which is great fun unfortunately not open when I am out of work. Same with other bike shops and there's one that's excellent and built a wheel for me for price of rim. That's where the opening time issue comes into play for me.
Maybe more shops can combine online with actual shop, SJS has done so for years and while they aren't the cheapest you are guaranteed to find some obscure bike parts there and they have excellent service so people come back. The actual shop sells bikes (Thorn) and has been going for yoinks too.
Same with Spa Cycles. Hopefully more shops can do the best of both. A niche vintage part online business combined with essentials that can't wait and an actual shop, can that work?