I think customers have much more influence here than business owners do. If more customers prefer shopping at local stores than at chains, local stores will flo

I think customers have much more influence here than business owners do. If more customers prefer shopping at local stores than at chains, local stores will flourish. For better or for worse, most customers today prefer the lower prices and consistent experience of shopping at big chains. It's the same in other areas. More people seem to prefer blockbuster movie sequels than original indie films: whether you're a profit-motivated studio exec or a struggling artist, you want your work to be seen by an audience. A minority of customers chooses local/eclectic/independent: not sure whether this minority is growing or shrinking.