TexasCHLforum.com

There is a big problem for small retailers nowadays. They can't effectively compete on price for reasons stated upthread. They could compete on knowledge of the product, but with the internet it is far too easy for a customer to come in, get the knowledge and then still buy the product cheaper online or from a big box store. Some small retailers can compete on convenience. It's why gas stations manage to sell beer and sodas among other things. But that really doesn't apply for guns. Maybe ammo and cleaning supplies, but its rare that you need a specific gun so badly that you can't wait a few days to get it cheaper somewhere else.

I fear that appealing to the good nature of their customer base will not be enough to keep the small LGS in business. IMHO, the ones that make it will focus more and more on areas where there is no cheaper online competition. That would be things like a range, in person instruction, gunsmithing, and FFL transfers. Maybe buying and selling used guns as well.