Related question: why do big hardware stores, like Home Depot and Lowes, always seem to be next to each other? Same with Walmart, Target, and KMart. Same with g

Related question: why do big hardware stores, like Home Depot and Lowes, always seem to be next to each other? Same with Walmart, Target, and KMart. Same with gas stations. It seems like it'd be better to space them out, especially if you're the inferior business. They can't just get up and move like the ice cream scenario. Why do they do it that way?