Here in Pudunkville, PA 18431 we got a MalWart Supercenter right down the road about 5 years ago then last year a Home Depot....YEAAAAA !! I no longer have to drive 30 miles each way to hit one. I still support the mom & pop stores whenever possible which is 90% of the time. Food, appliances, etc. On a $1K purchase I think an extra $50-$100 to support local is good and I do it. The MalWart didn't seem to affect local businesses that much and the Home Depot has had a minimal effect I think. Here in Podunkville we have about 6 auto stores and 1 hardware store before HD. Downtown still thrives. At least now I don't need to keep a large stock of PVC stuff in my basement.
Al