celgins - 4:16 pm on Dec 18, 2010 (gmt 0)

It is simply not sustainable for brick and mortar stores to act as free showrooms for their cut-price, tax-evading competitors.

Yes, but they don't have to be a showroom. Retailers have, for years, had the ability to know their competitors prices. If they want to compete and undercut, or match their competitors, they might want to consider lowering their prices.

As wheel noted, most savings probably won't be more than 10%-20%. When it is, it's usually worth it for the consumer. I've used price-checking apps several times while shopping for electronics, and if I can save 10%-20%, I will do it.