Better than ordering off internets?

Last week I visited my local indie (Heavy Sounds in Nottingham, specialises in METAL) and browsing through the racks, picked up the latest Harvey Milk and the first Torche album- both CDs I wouldn't have immediately bought if I hadn't see them. I had a similar situation in Rough Trade East a few months ago.

Does having a slightly limited choice push you towards getting stuff you might not otherwise? With the internets and being able to order pretty much anything in print, does this stop you making impulse purchases as you can order anything?