It's simple..... Use it or lose it....In much the same way that everyone moans when their local pub turns into a restaurant (but they can't remember the last time they went in there for a drink).
Most instrument sales come from 'beginers'... Mostly they choose their stuff on-line because it looks nice on the web, it looks the same as the one their musical hero uses, 'beginer's instrument' prices are reasonable and they won't feel intimidated by shop staff or other muscians hanging around the store.... Sad but true.
I'm as guilty as everyone else, since my local music store closed I now order my strings etc. on-line... But I'm determined to change that...