Originally Posted by vulpes

It is very hard for small independent companies to compete with large chains/conglomerates/corporations because the big guys have a lot more capital and can deal in very large volumes with a small margin and still make a go of it. That's why all the mom and pop shops, neighborhood hardware stores, etc. have mostly gone out of business. I think that's a shame. I would rather support small, independent businesses and pay a little more because they're run by guys kinda like me instead of rich corporate suits.