The state of brick and mortar shops

My AC was out 2 weeks ago and had to wait a week for it to get replaced because the tech couldn't get all the equipment. So I went shopping for a small window unit just in case it got too hot. Plus, I could always use it for hurricane season.
I went to Home Depot and they only had 5 big ones. I went to Lowe's and it was the same thing. I actually purchased a small unit from Winn-Dixie, believe it or not, for 20 less than what I could find on Amazon.
So a grocery store got my business because they had more AC's to sell than Home Depot and Lowe's combined! The funny part is that Winn-Dixie now has on-line shopping for groceries, and I walked in and bought a window ac unit that nobody stocked and cheaper than on-line.
The problem is inventory! Everybody's inventory is razor thin. Most people won't drive to 4 different stores looking for something that they can simply order online. If you don't stock it then I'm not going to be buying it from you when I need it.
So the problem begets a bigger problem. Cutting down on your inventory saves money but it costs potential sales. Buying on line is convenient but it's not the locals who are winning this game.
He who figures out this conundrum will be a Billionaire.

[link to www.ebay.com (secure)]

[link to www.ebay.com (secure)]