We don't consider HD or any mega store local, I was talking local as in lil ole me up againist big HD. That guy left his Homelite at the shop, didn't even bother to take it with him. I set it out by the door, someone may want it, if not its dumpster bound...
Nobody considers them local. I was just making a funny...or so I thought.
It's a smart thing Stihl is doing for a number of reasons. As you point out, local dealers is how they operate, but they also are tapping into some pretty good PR.
You've been saying for a long time that Husky was making a mistake by selling in box stores, and the data are bearing that out. I think a part of this approach is Stihl rubbing Husqvarna's nose in it.