Fact is the internet is the biggest competition for any B&M store these days.
So B&M stores need to "know your enemy" and figure out a strategy to compete. The economics of scale with a mom and pop B&M shop surely cannot compete on price, so the only thing left is SERVICE!!!!!
Discouraging customers from coming in unless they are going to buy is the worst form of customer service. THat's all about the what the dealer wants, not the customer.
Guess what? No dealers/stores without customers. No customers without a reason to come in.
Customer service is THE ONLY ANSWER!!!!
Talk as in most things is not only the cheapest form of customer service, but possibly also the most valuable.
People long to talk to others about their problems. The internet tries to provide this sometimes via chat sessions, etc. but it can only happen best face to face.
Smart businesses will talk to their customers and listen to what they say to help improve the business. If they do not or cannot.....well good riddance.