But what I mean is more directed to these in-person retail stores I am seeing in strip malls. These stores operate like an "in real life exchange".
That's safe in my opinion but what you have to pay attention is about the exchange rate, it must be clear what website do they use as a reference rate because if it can't be verified then it's very possible that your btc price will be cheaper than live price.
But because now there is a P2P exchange, I think it is much more effective and safe where you don't need to leave your house to make transactions unless there are important things that make you have to convert on that exchange.