I'll chime in here, mostly because, even though I don't do much modeling anymore, as it turns out, Allied is the closest model train store to my home.
While the store is great to browse, buy rare or brass items, it has never been the place where I wanted to spend my money. And I've easily given them over $1000 of business over the past 10 years.
First of all, they are closed on Sundays, except for the Christmas season. So, despite being 3 miles from home, I am rarely able to get there (save for Saturdays) when they are actually open for business. I can understand SOME types of businesses being closed on Sunday, but a hobby oriented store???? Just silly.
Second, everything in the store is list price or higher. In these days of the internet, not to mention decades of mail order, they might just consider that some folks would buy more from them if they got at least a small discount.
Third, attitude. There was an "air" about the place that said, "if you aren't going to spend hundreds of dollars today, don't bother us." A friend, who lived 25 miles from the shop, had a problem with an Kato engine (not a $9 Athearn box car), brought it back, and was given asked to leave simply because he commented about having to make the drive. I've known this guy for many years, and he is not one to incite such treatment. He was asked to leave by Mr. Drucker himself, bye the way.
So, maybe, just maybe Allied's method of business has something to do with it.
Regards,
DAve