I find it strange (and annoying) that by default external links load in the same browser tab, but internal ad links force a new tab and there's no setting to change that behavior. I do think there's some value to having the shops, though. I'd suggest allowing non-members to still have the option of hiding the bar. Typical user behavior patterns are such that most won't hide it anyway, as ~80% will use the defaults for everything. YMMV, of course.