Once the new Scheel's is completed in WDM, patronizing that store would be "buying local" for anybody in the DM area....
I have mixed emotions about buying local. I try to when there's not a substantial premium to be paid in doing so, and can get what I want rather than compromising just to support the local guy. However, not all local retailers reciprocate--the worst example was a printing job I took to a local printer, found out that he "farmed it out" to another "non-local" printer who did it for less money, and he marked up the job without having done anything--found the "real" printer's statement still with the order. And whatever I buy, I only have so much money--not sure what the little guy will necessarily do for me if I spend more money for less at his store. Isn't going to let me borrow his equipment to make up for it.
OTHO, I've seen "super stores" have higher prices than the little guys, especially after they've been open for a little while and established a reputation as being the cheapest. Some people just automatically think bigger means cheaper, don't bother to compare.
Ultimately, I guess it comes down to good service at a fair price. Hopefully that's a local guy, but didn't the "big guys" start that way too, and grow through good service/fair price? Seems like the "American way".
Not sure what my point is, other than that I won't stay away from Scheel's or any other just because they're bigger. But I definitely won't spend all my money there either.