[Boddie]

I used to work as Head of Sales and Marketing for Brooks Saddles, the World famous bicycle saddle manufacturer.

Time and again, on one of the forums I subscribed to, it was argued by bicycle retailers that the warehouses were killing the good old fashioned bike shops. Turns out that many cyclists who purchased their machine over the internet, only to find it gave up on them for whatever reason, turned to the local bike shop to have it repaired. This was always a hot topic on the boards.

Then someone put a thread on asking for advice on where to get an Ipod and was instructed to go Amazon. A debate ensued regarding the fact that this was as bad as shopping on the web for bikes.

So I was wondering. Time and again people have suggested that the likes of Jessops are too dear and suggested warehouses. Do you not think this will kill the large stores? Do you think this is a cause for concern? Do you care?

Is there anybody out there willing to pay that little extra to shop at somewhere like Jessops or do you feel potential savings outweigh that personal service?

I tend to shop at the likes of Jessops as I feel more secure. Just my feeling