Local retailers offer plenty that superstores can't, such as experience,information,specialist or even bespoke services,local knowledge etc,but at the end of the day,the majority of folk are driven by the bottom line in pounds and pence,without considering the bigger picture and supporting their local sherrif.On a daily basis i see tyre kickers with bits of paper and serial numbers scibbled on in specialist shops trying to glean product knowledge from specialists with knowledge gained over years, with the intention of heading off up to the superstore or tinternet to purchase the product to save a few quid.These traders are slowly dying out due, not only to lack of support and competition, but also legislation which makes it very difficult for the small business to operate.To use the hook line of one of the multiples,"once their gone,their gone"
I suppose,to a degree, it could be analogised with Scottish football in that the vast majority are taken in by the big 2 and follow sucess and branding,but fortunatley, enough people (just) still see the value and benifit in supporting the local club which brings many other benefits to the local community
Rant over.