Independent Record Shops vs The Internet

This is something that really gets my back up, the decline of the independent music store. Now i know it's not entirely to do with design but there's a relation to marketing strategy here. Seeing my friend's independent record store go under at the beginning of the year wasn't nice, especially as he had it for over 15 years and had become a bit of an institution in Lincoln. The fact was he just couldn't keep it afloat in todays market. People just aren't buying CD's and Records anymore, it's all gone digital. I know as a designer i shouldn't be all for technology, and to an extent i am, but it's sad to see things disappear after being around for such a long time because people prefer to use technology to get what they want and need. I know this may be evolution etc but what's a faceless download on your computer compared to holding something that shows design that is so often beautiful and innovative and has been lovingly created by someone just like you. Physical CD'S/Records aside, it is a shame that so many record stores are disappearing, nobody wants to actually go out and buy things anymore. Fopp, the largest independent music retailer has recently gone into administration. Fopp was loved by many for it's low prices and simple retailing. So what happened? Is this the work of the downloading culture? Or simply poor marketing/business management on Fopp's part? If things carry on the way they are going HMV and Virgin will probably be next. It's got me thinking about what could be done to market/advertise independent music to consumers, that would appeal to them over downloading and buying from the internet. It'd be challenge considering all the pro's of downloading and the con's of buying from a store.