Re: [VAC] Chain stores

[Randy Unter <runter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Interesting discussion. But I've noted already extensive 
use of the "local stores" on this discussion site: it's 
the Internet, the new American local store is merely a 
mouse click away, and the folks who run them can be at 
home with their families, all hours. True, one can't walk 
in and blow the dust off, but isn't it fascinating how 
much is learned about sources for parts/supplies and how 
quickly on this site? Beats running all over looking for 
same. The ma and pa vendors need to rethink their 
"stores", put them on the Web, and perhaps shut the 
physical store if appropriate (put the inventory in the 
garage, cut out all the store overhead and beat the 
Walmarts at their own game, and yes, one can stop by and 
pick it up at their home, if needed before tomorrow).  
Egghead Computer stores
did just this, CompUSA is headed the same direction 
(remember, these are the guys who put the locals out of 
business). The America of today moves at warp speed and 
is accelerating. But now, we can sit in our 'connected' 
Airstreams, or out boon docking, hooked to the Web via 
wireless connections, and order and drop ship what we 
need in no time (assuming UPS delivers to Boondocks, 
USA). For example, I noted the discussion about the book, 
"Airstream : The History of the Land Yacht" Bryan 
Burkhart, David Hunt", decided I wanted it, clicked to 
Amazon.com, typed in the book name and had it orderd in 2 
minuted and was back to this site. It could have just as 
easily been from Aunt Polly's Bookstore.com, had Aunt 
Polly been known to me. I've also ordered other 
merchandise from vendors with URL's
mentioned on this site. I keep and sort vendor URL's that 
I might need in the future.  I like this better. Also, 
consider how many people one meets on this site. I can't 
wait to meet many of you in person. I already have visual 
images of many. Perhaps we should call Vintage meetings 
"blow the dust off" meetings?
Randy Unter
'66 Overlander
Denver