If you don't use it you will lose it.
In Oz we don't have the benefit of shops as you do in UK simple economics.
The problem mentioned applies to every type of retail activity, not just model boats, and is the result of bean counters philosophy which makes perfect sense.
Namely why tie up heaps of money on stock that is not sold daily, when it, stock, can be obtained from a distributor within say 24 hours.
The benefits are obvious, less money tied up doing nothing, less storage space required, etc, etc, you get the picture.
Eventually all that will be left is the on-line store.
The danger here, is that it, the on-line store, will be located off shore and postage costs will impact on our hobby.
Already happening here in Australia.