In recent years I've noticed a trend with local homebrew shops. I'm curious if this problem is just in my area or widespread. I live in one of the biggest metroplexes in the U.S., and there used to be a ton of shops. But slowly they all seem to be closing or even converting into bars and not selling supplies anymore. The few that are left are extremely out of the way and are without fail out of stock of most of what I need nearly every time I walk in. The only shop that seems to be doing well near me is a good two hour round trip. Is this the result of online retailers? Is this a national trend?
My second questions is this. Where are you guys getting your supplies from? I've considered just switching to online ordering, but there's several issues that keep me away. In a lot of cases you have to buy malt in increments of 1 lb, which sucks. Shipping sometimes takes forever and is unreliable in terms of freshness with things like yeast and hops. I'm curious what most people are doing now.
My second questions is this. Where are you guys getting your supplies from? I've considered just switching to online ordering, but there's several issues that keep me away. In a lot of cases you have to buy malt in increments of 1 lb, which sucks. Shipping sometimes takes forever and is unreliable in terms of freshness with things like yeast and hops. I'm curious what most people are doing now.