I shop at small businesses if its an option. I prefer my money supporting the community than someone’s fourth yacht.

That being said there is a particular type of small business whose customers are largely old retired people. They’re usually open 8-5, have higher than normal prices, and are in no rush as they usually like to chat - Which their customer base likes.

There are other types of course but sometimes you got to do hunting because they likely don’t have big advertising bucks.

Its very very difficult for small businesses to compete with big box stores. They can’t out price Walmart or outship Amazon. So they usually try to find a niche to focus on… Or wither on the vine.