Do We Need Stores

We recently discussed the demise of print publications that have migrated to the internet.  Can shopping in physical stores be next.  The 2008 holidays were not necessarily good to the brick and mortar establishment but their online counterparts saw a measurable up tick in online purchases.  Today, we are learning that retailers like Circuit City (bankrupt) is for sale and most retail companies are having to adjust their forecast for 2009.  Obviously everyone is making adjustments due to the economic climate, however, will the advantages of online shopping, outweigh the experience of shopping in a store?  It will probably boil down to the type of product, but it is obvious that consumers are quickly adopting the online shopping experience.  There seems to be a website for any product or service your heart desires, and the most interesting thing is that obscure products seem to be easier to acquire through the internet.  The future of information, entertainment, and education is online.  Can we say the same for your day to day shopping?