bolted down, or screwed to the wall. And, not surprisingly considering
the
number of items they stock, not all is out on display, either. There is
a
nice book section, though, with shelf copies available for perusal and a
number of very comfortable arm chairs for said perusing.

Have you ever asked to look at something that is behind glass or in the
back
room on a shelf? I have several times when I've visited Lee Valley Tool
stores in Toronto and I've always been accommodated. Admittedly, the only
time I visit one of their stores instead of using the mail order is when
I'm
buying a large amount of stuff or spending $300 or more. So, they might be
granting my request only after seeing the list of stuff I'm buying, but
I've
never had any argument when I want to physically examine something.

I've examined small stuff (couple bucks worth) and turned them down, and
there were no complaints, and had any number of questions answered without a
list at all. I think the service is there if you need it, whether or not it
looks like you're going to pay for it with a large order right then and
there.

- Owen -