It pains me to see chains like Circuit City shutting their doors. Despite the ease of online shopping, there's a clear value to being able to visit a physical location, view the physical device you're purchasing, and -- theoretically, at least -- chat with a knowledgeable professional about your options.

The fact is, though, the brick-and-mortar chains don't have a monopoly on the market anymore. Plenty of people would just as soon point, click, and get their items shipped without having to get into their cars. If electronics retailers want to avoid going the way of the 5.25" floppy drive, they need to play to their strengths -- honest and attentive customer interaction -- or, before you know it, Circuit City is going to have a lot of company in its final resting place.

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