Local, small business - higher expectations - greater disappointment
Discount Stores - lower expectations - satisfaction
I don't mind paying a little more to support the local business if I get something a little more in return - but - paying more and getting less just doesn't make sense.

I can be understanding about shortage of staff, but there's a limit to my understanding.
I can be understanding about a product not being in stock. A solution would be that I could call ahead to see if they have it first.
When I place an order, I can be proactive and tell the merchant my requirements and if they don't meet them as agreed - tell them they will lose a sale.
The merchant that gets you "over a barrel" is the one that specializes, and you don't seem to have any other choice - like - how many sewing machine repair places are there in a town? Now, that's a problem.
