I really think the electronic local B&M stores start getting hit once Bestbuy and Circuitcity came to town. I remember when in the late 80s, we had three or four local electron stores (such as Rex) that sold TV and audio equipment with their own credit department. Even JCPenny was selling TVs and accessories.

But once BB and CC opened up stores in the suburbs, local stores went out of business one by one. The only couple that are left stay afloat by doing custom installations and sell high end audio and video equipments that one can’t find in BB or CC.

It is like Walmart running all of local home suppliers out of business.