[haroldp]

> if people have the option, they prefer the locally grown, locally owned and operated smaller stores that might cost more

If the close store is the same price, then for sure, everyone will prefer what's nearby. If it is one hundred times the price (hyperbole) then everyone will take the drive. At some point of price differential is the current situation where people who are already forced to have cars will frequently take the drive for less expensive groceries. It's prima fascia the case.