I only go to stores to touch and feel the product. As a lowes employee, I understand many customers do the same. So are appliance specialists truly important. I was one and I'd say not as much as they believe. Usually the lower end sales need the most effort, the mid range customer can save hundreds by shopping around. The manufacturer sets the price pretty equal. So it will be on the specialty brands like Kenmore that the customer will find the most price flexibility. The truly high end customer wont be in lowes. They have Viking, Miele, Dacor, Sub-zero. I haven't looked recently but lowes didn't sell them. Usually a good interior designer will have the keys to those discounts.
Just take this weeks ad, go to amazon, type the model number and find their prices and delivery is free they have 12 months no payment or interest and protection plans as well.
Amazon is already starting on same day delivery for contractors so. Lumber, Tile and Flooring aren't out of their reach. As bad as Amazon sounds, most of their sales come from independent mom and pop sellers that use their site. The little guy is the winner.