Having things available right now, in small quantities, near to you, is precisely the service local hardware stores have always provided. For a small fee. Of c

Having things available right now, in small quantities, near to you, is precisely the service local hardware stores have always provided. For a small fee. Of course they can be had cheaper, and in a wider variety, from some huge warehouse further away. But then you can't get the job done this afternoon. The change from 1950s mail order is that the payment is easier, the shipping is (sometimes) faster, and that you might get the Chinese knock-off.