[luddaite]

I've recently started doing the opposite. I'll search Amazon to see what products are recommended and see if I can find those (or something similar) in local stores. This is particularly true when I am buying something that I don't know much about. I basically use Amazon as initial research to discover what properties I should be looking for in an item.

[SyneRyder]

Same here. I was looking for items on the new Amazon Australia, then noticed one of the stores selling on Amazon is just a couple of train stops away from me. It made me realize I should check their own website, and they'll sell it to me for $50 cheaper if I don't go through Amazon ($65 if I include the shipping).