I used to work at a collectibles store which carried a pretty wide assortment of games... Apart from the obvious dent that put in my wallet, I've always carried the hope that if I ever become independently wealthy or win the lottery (which won't happen since I've bought exactly 2 tickets in the past ten years), My pet moneypit would be a gaming store... Despite the ease and selection online purhcases offer, I'm still a sucker for the tactile shopping experience, and to be quite honest, it's sad to see so many of the old stores fall victim to the economy and changing shopping habits.
I have nothing but the utmost admiration for the current independent game store owner, and they end up with my "impulse" money hands-down, every time. I cannot say the same for "planned" purchases, and I sometimes feel like a hypocrite in my buying habits.
I think the bottom line with both gaming stores and the hobby in general is that both provide the last bastion of what makes the hobby so unique and fun; face-to-face, social human interaction.
Don't get me wrong; technology provides THIS forum, and amazing access to unlimited resources when it comes to your games. But nothing quite replaces a full table scattered with dice and empty Dew cans, or opening that creaky door with a bell on top into the countless stacks and shelves...
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