I don't think it's necessarily what consumers want. Sometimes it's what business owners want (eg when they retire and sell), and consolidation gives the new own

I don't think it's necessarily what consumers want. Sometimes it's what business owners want (eg when they retire and sell), and consolidation gives the new owner the benefit of local monopoly or decreased competiton. Absolutely no one in my area likes trends in veterinary care, for example, but there are only so many options.