I don’t know how some shops stay in bussiness. When I go to a new area I like to check out anybody claiming to have trains and supplies for sale and most of the time I am dissapointed. I was commuting from Riverside to San Diego last week so I thought I would check a few out, nothing new, Bumer.
Both shops I hit were not up to date at all. One shop was more of a craft shop and the prices were about 10% too high and they only scratched the surface,barely. The other shop has been around since the end of WW2, but could not tell me what light bulb to use in an IM F3 with a Digitrax decoder.
I know its difficult to have it all but would it be easier to sale off the old stock ( less profit ) and update the entire shop. You know its a bad sign when there is one guy in there and he just keeps talking at you or gancing past you to what is happenning outside[:(!].
On a good note, here is a shop in Aneheim Hills that is somewhat well stocked and they talk, sell, and encourage DCC. They will help you with most everything. Its a bit higher priced than online but its hard to beat face to face support. This is definately the way to for all shops if you ask me.