I just received a promo mail from Razer about their Autralia webstore. I didn't even know they had a special Oz store until now. As I'm currently live and work in Canberra I've noticed that Razer's instore presence has massively dropped in the last three years.You used to be able to buy Razer gear from JB Hifi, EB Games or even Dick Smith. It was always a small range and lagging half a year behind the newest products but well, you get used to that down here (double glassed windows anyone?). But now you can't get them anywhere expect those dodgy weekend computer markets. Might be just Canberra but when I asked one of the clerks he said that they don't stock them anymore. I don't know enough about Razer's retail statistics but I guess that the shelf presence only buys you brand awareness and not actual sells. Razer, as a "upper-class" brand builds (and sometimes ruins) it's cred mainly through online channels such as review sites, forums and events like WCG, the Gamescom or E3. But from a personal perspective it still sucks not to see them on the shelves.I

know it costs a lot of money to literally buy shelf space especially next to Logitech and Microsoft gear and I guess it boils down to who Razer is trying to sell to. If it's just the "prosumer" gamer who get's most of his computer gear online anyway it might not really matter if you can buy the new Naga next door. And especially since Razer always costs about 10 to 20% extra compared to the competitors model few people who don't know the brand would choose it in a shop.

Nevertheless, I feel the best way to access new customers still would be shelf presence. As an example, most of my personal collection including  my trusty Boomslang 2k is in use at my office. My workmates just love to work with them. As they're only on loan some of them asked me where to buy one. When I mentioned that they're only available online, for most of them that was too much hassle, yes even with free shipping.

So, what about your country, have you noticed any changes in your local shop? And does it matter to you? We'd like to hear your comments...