Your example seems a little off. Manufacturers can and do sell directly to individuals. The huge benefit of Amazon and Safeway is that it's one place I can go t

Your example seems a little off. Manufacturers can and do sell directly to individuals. The huge benefit of Amazon and Safeway is that it's one place I can go to get most of the things that I need. Why would I want to buy salt from Morton's separately from ketchup from Heinz?