I never really considered things like Constantin explains.
As far as I can see he has a point that there is a relation between the "culture" (in casu geeks/nerds not being popular/well paid) versus "electronic shops disappearing".
Imagine following situation
Son: mom I want to be a electronics guy.
Mon: No, you won't.
Son: Mom I like electronics, why would I not do electronics?
Mon: If you want to earn your living you'd better become a banker.
I was at a fair where David Cuartielles spoke. He stated Arduino sold 600.000 arduinos. Mac sold 55milion Ipads in 2 years time. http://www.asymco.com/2012/02/16/ios-devices-in-2011-vs-macs-sold-it-in-28-years/
This is a huge difference. Moreover the Ipad is about 10 times the price of an arduino and won't last as long.
For me this holds 2 messages:
- As a shop owner you prefer selling devices to electronic components.
- There is not enough local electronics turnover to run a electronics shop. (Assume 600 local shops world wide; they sell 1000 each assume a profit of 10 euro each that makes enough to survive at most 5 months)
As there is the alternative of world wide shopping, local shops have gone.
Best regards
Jantje