When I have seen people listing their systems lately

I think what the storeowner was saying was that computer audio and music servers are taking over for the standalone CD/SACD player--I know that one of my dealers in NJ only used a computer for digital demonstrations.  However, there are dinosaurs like me who still like to put CDs and SACDs into drawers, and handle vinyl (and at least in my case are too intimidated or lazy to learn how to use our computers and downloads).  Also, those of us with large collections of vinyl and silver discs might not have the time or the inclination to store them in a computer.  Just my $.02. 

tonykay, spot on !
Marketing in USA is a very large business whose primary task to to create a need where none exists .

I have friends in the UK and it's a different story there. Everybody still buys CD's and back catalogue's are plentiful. Looking at Amazon.UK is a wonderland full of Rock and Classical CD's.

if people only bought what they wanted and/or needed, this economy would collapse very quickly...

while I have a CD player in every room, I do love Tidal over my Sonos...