I have no issue however, with online retailing, even discount retailing online. If you're willing to do the research yourself what you want and take the risk of ordering something sight unseen, you can get a discount for it. This seems reasonable considering the investment of time and the increased risk needed to do so.
What I do find absolutely morally reprehensible is to come into my store and ask for advice, have me show you around the store, look and feel and touch everything, make an informed decision, snap a picture of the scan code and buy it on Amazon on your smart phone on the way out the door. The number of times people have said "well it's cheaper online, why is that? I'll just buy it there".
Why? Because I pay high rate retail rents to another local business family who's business is to own a shopping center. Because my business has a beautiful store with fixtures and play-tables for your kids to play on and music and fun. Because my business hires local people and pays them to take you around the store and show you things for a 1/2 hour (at the CA minimum wage, that 1/2 hour costs $4). Because my business pays local taxes. Because my business sponsored your son's little league team. Because my business gave a gift certificate to your daughter's dance fundraiser. Because if you tell me which elementary school you go to, I give 5% of what you spent right back to your childrens' school. And you're complaining you can get it cheaper online?
If you don't like this service I provide, don't use it. If you feel that all of this is frivolous and you'd prefer lower prices to good customer service, easy returns, and a wonderful environment? That's fine with me. That's your decision.
But don't come in here, take advantage of me, and then buy it online. You're sneaking into the theater without paying (justifying, well I didn't really STEAL anything). You're killing your local economy. Shame on you and SHAME on USA Today.
