Regarding the video @LTS_Tom posted today (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeKp9WcfGD4), I’ve noticed that the only retail computer sales/repair in my area have been around for decades! A new retail store gave it a go in the last half of 2018 and closed after only about 4 months. The stores I see around are the ones that are doing business with a long established clientele, some customers are still going to the stores because their parents went there. You can’t compete with that!
There’s even one store in the “old town” area that’s in business because the guy “would get bored at home” (his words)! He owns his house, car, and the corner storefront outright! He said that other than utilities and food he doesn’t have any expenses and his savings account is full, so he can just sit there and play around with parts all day long and doesn’t have to worry about keeping customers coming in the door.
So, for me, it’s just not worth it to open a retail sales/repair storefront. It might be worth it though if my efforts to establish an MSP pan out as a supplement and convenience to my clients.
But I think Tom has hit it on the head here, retail is about dead in our industry.