I feel very fortunate to have a model shop literally across the road. And to ensure I keep said model shop running, I buy everything through him. Yes, I could get it cheaper online, but then I wouldn't have a local model shop, would I?
As for modelling not being very popular amongst yoofs like me, I think it's mostly due to modelling being a bit 'sedate', plus being interested in engineering isn't very 'cool' these days. Plus there's the instant gratification of just being able to buy a 40+mph catamaran off the shelf, and just charge it up and go.