That is not cool. At all. Trying out something at a store but buying it online instead.
As far as I'm concerned, it is cool to try it at a local "dealer" and buy it on line. In the end you are buying it from the manufacturer anyway.
Most every local place around here will only sell you the floor "demo" model as brand new; and I question, "Is that right and ethical?".
I like to buy locally once in a while. I just bought an 800 dollar, approx., Fishman Loudbox Performer acoustic amp from a local store about a block and a half from me. I have bought other stuff there over the years. They have helped me out with a lot of repairs and other things. I had to wait a lot longer than the online places, but I wanted a new item in an unopened box. It keeps them happy if you buy "some" of your stuff from them. They realize that you are buying things from other sources.
So I say, it's okay to try any manufacturer's product out at any dealer, but in the final analysis buy it from the source of your choice, often online.
Also, sometimes the local places will give you a hassle with the return policy, unlike some of the online places that give you a full 45 day return window, plus an extra two year warranty over and beyond the factory warranty. This doesn't happen with the local dealers around here.
I think when it comes to buying something, that it is the customers prerogative to purchase it anywhere they want. This gives the customer the most power in negotiating the best price for a product - you can always walk away and buy somewhere else.
Also, these local places around here are doing pretty well, believe me. They sell some big ticket items to a select and dedicated clientele. Pianos, Martins, Fenders, Gibsons, Taylors, etc., often special ordered or custom shop.
So yeah, if you have a great deal of expendable/disposable income or money on hand, buying locally might make the most sense to you and seem the right thing to do. But for dudes with a tight budget they might be best off getting the best deal from an online place with the satisfaction of knowing the return policy is solid and that they get the extra warranty.
Also, some of the online places make it even easier by selling dudes guitars on a "three pay" credit deal where they don't even have to have their credit checked. Make the first payment on the phone or over the internet and you guitar, etc., is on its way to you the next or same day. Make two more monthly payments and they are happy/you own the item. In the meantime you can play and enjoy it, interest free.
In the end, there are reasons to try a manufacturer's product out at a local dealer and then buy it online or where ever you want.