Originally Posted by ghostrider

Well, there are plenty of boutiques, independent businesses, small shops, mom and pop operations, and other wonderful non-chain stores of all types up here in the central reaches of New Hampshire that do not cater to "the obliged" (noblesse oblige?) at all. Indeed, they cater to any and all of us 'just plain regular folk' who cross their threshholds to explore the wonders held within, be it fabric, clothes, prescriptions, or bread, offered at very reasonable prices.

I agree, choose where and what you buy based on your personal circumstances and preferences, but for me, I will always choose the little local guy over the mega-giant. Always. But then, I'm lucky enough to live in a Hallmark movie kind of place.