From what we understand, it's becoming the latter. Have you observed that as well? 

What many of today's customers really desire is fewer, focused choices. 

You know, what your stores do.

One of the hallmarks of every specialty retailer is your edited selections. 

Your taste and judgment in the merchandise you offer is what defines your stores, and enables the trusted relationship with your customers.

Whether you are selling tires, books, or baby gear, you do the hard work of evaluating the array of choices, and then selecting the very best ones - that is, the most appropriate ones - for your targeted customers. 

Are there times that your customers will shop on Amazon? Of course!

Especially whenever they are looking for a deal, or a commodity item. Just like they always have shopped at all kinds of other retailers. They're very purposeful.

But, when they must make a choice, for instance, about an infrequent purchase, a big ticket item, something for a special occasion, it is not more and more choices they need.

Instead, they appreciate taste and judgment and direction from a source they can trust. Without the hours of online "homework".

Ahh yes. Retailers as merchants, not algorithms. Now more than ever!