there is an analogous experience at physical stores, though. the proximity of items to entryways, cashiers, etc matters for sales. also, which height shelf a product is put on also matters. some at eye level, for example, and others at children's eye level, make certain products more prominent. if you are trying to place a product at a store, how much it would cost you depends greatly on where in the store it is placed.
Sure, but I would argue that that is more of an analogy to the first page of products only. Things that are beyond the third or fourth page may as well be in the back of the store, and not on the shelves.
Things that are on the third or fourth page would not be in the store period as it would be too costly to carry all that inventory in a retail environment.
The analogy is useless. Consumers are lucky that the internet even gives them a 3rd or 4th page.
