I struggle to find the time to get into my LBS, but obviously I can order what I need from the Internet whenever I want. Price is important to me, but actually just getting what I want, when I need it is more important.
The last time I went to an LBS was a few months ago. I needed a carbon fork expander plug, and a new Park carbon cutting blade. I didn’t expect them to necessarily have the blade, but I tried EVERY shop in Newcastle and not one had a carbon expander in stock, not even a cheap and nasty M Parts one or similar.
Ironically, got some great advice from one shop about a 3T part, where you epoxy in an aluminium sleeve and fit a fairly regular SFN. Sounds great I said, I’ll have one of those instead: we don’t stock them, he said.
I get that the LBS can’t afford to stock items with a poor ROI, but ultimately the convenience and reliability of supply of the Internet is taking most of my money away from my LBS, not the price.
And without wanting to tar every shop with the same brush, when I do order parts in invariably they often forget to order it, almost never remember to call me when it arrives (and wait for me to call back) and are more emotional when dealing with returns. I like LBSs, a lot, but I think most have to decide exactly what they need to do to compete. And again, I’ve said it a few times now, for me it’s not about the price…
Edit: sorry OP, I forgot to comment on your post. I’d buy online, but still see your LBS for the bottom bracket. They should appreciate the chance to take some money off you through the workshop…