A lot of manufacturers will not sell to the retail public. They choose instead to sell to either their registered distributor/dealer network or to "authorized" service outlets. I worked for a manufacturer that had that policy. They didn't want the hassle of a "Retail Store". Was more efficient for them to fill large orders to the chosen channel than a piece here and a piece there to hundreds of customers.
It also shows some loyalty to those who signed on as retail outlets.
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