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The problem for retailers is that amateur astronomy as a hobby/pastime is ageing.... go to any gathering, star party or astro club meeting and you will see the average age is getting toward retirement age.
The only way to get many young people off their couches and out to look at the stars is to hold outreach events, unfortunately most people in the hobby are not interested in promoting it at all.
Our club has several hundred members yet the same 10 people turn out to do outreach or dark-sky nights. Last year I had over 2000 people look through my scopes at outreach, I know for a fact that several of them have since joined the club and bought equipment.
We have several very good astrophotographers, variable star observers etc in the club but I have never seen any of them at any of the organised events of the club, they are there for the monthly meetings and that is about it.... I doubt that in a decade we will have any brick&mortar astro outlets in Australia......
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