Availability of bikes

[SevenSistersStar]

Thanks everyone who answered my recent question on mountain bike v hybrid. I have decided that at the price point I'm looking at it makes most sense to buy a mountain bike. I've just been in the local Giant/Liv retailers and sat on a Tempt 2 in my size. They also had a Tempt 3 in my size. The guy in the shop said that supply was very limited and bikes were typically being sold within a couple of days, and that you couldn't order either. Is this how things really are? Or was he trying to push me into a sale? Ideally I'd like a bit longer to think about it, and also go and look at the Trek bikes.

It is how things are but you should still think about it - the worst that might happen is you have to wait a bit for the model you want.
I bought a bike during the first lockdown, a hybrid. I was wavering over whether to order a step-through one but realised if I didn't buy the one (crossbar version) in front of me I would be waiting for months, so I did have to go for it.
The big name special stores can be a bit pushy with their preferred brand, but Liv are still nice bikes. I tried a Liv, a Trek and a Specialized and to be honest could have taken any of them.

Bikes are moving very quickly, I use our local bike shop a lot and they have said this. Seems weird you can’t order though; a friend at our tri club ordered a Liv and waited ages for it. I have a gravel bike which took 4 months to come.

Can you use the store to pick the best one and then order direct from them online?