In the l.a. area it is VERY obvious that nearly all the mom/pop hardware stores are gone. Most people would rather pay less money at the check-out stand as opposed to supporting businesses that offer better service while charging a little more for the convenience. Many of the people complaining now about the "larger" stores are the same that helped put mom and pop out of business..we all are compelled to drive further and put up with overworked staff and often stand in very long lines. I personally will drive miles to support "small business" erik