Yep, individual owned auto parts and hardware stores are virtually gone in my area.   

Rudi wrote:

Years ago in  my town of 35k pop at the time, had 3 full service auto machine shops. One of them equipped to do it all including crank grinding where they did my 85hp Continental aircraft engine.
We also had about six independent parts stores.
All gone now except two national chain parts stores where the counter people are as dumb as a bag of hammers.

 
Sumptin like this:

Rudi wrote:

Years ago in my town of 35k pop at the time, had 3 full service auto machine shops. One of them equipped to do it all including crank grinding where they did my 85hp Continental aircraft engine.
We also had about six independent parts stores.
All gone now except two national chain parts stores where the counter people are as dumb as a bag of hammers.

Back in '096 we got forced to move to Peenix AZ and while installing the new 'fridge I discovered that I needed a 1/8 pipe to 1/4" compression fitting for the ice maker line.  Being new to the hood I didn't know exactly where the nearest hardware store was but I knew there was an AutoZoo nearby.  Walked in, waited in line for about ten minutes, counter kid askes if he can help me so I said, "yes, I need a 1/4"compression by 1/8" pipe brass fitting."  After about 15 seconds of blank stare the kid says, " ah...what kind of car is that for, sir?"   Me, "Fridgidair!, thanks."   And went to find the hardware store.

BB1

Yeah, we still have the local NAPA, but its not the same since NAPA went to corporate ownership of all stores.  Originally it was Delaware Auto Parts, but at some point they became a NAPA.  They had the bins of hardware, fittings, etc.  If I couldn't find what I needed I could talk to one of the counter guys and 99% of the time he could find it.  Now none of that stuff is out for the public to find.  Its back on the racks, if its there at all.  The stock is much less than it once was.  I still go there fairly often, and its still the local auto parts store IMO.  Its staffed by all new faces who eventually learned my name as I learned theirs, and I get my discount not the schmuck off the street price, but things have definitely changed.

The local hardware stores here are all gone.  The crazy thing is that in Wilmington there are 3 local hardware stores and a local lumber yard in a 3 mile radius and no box stores.  One of those hardware stores has an awesome hardware section, and the local lumber yard has much better quality lumber than the box stores.  I support them whenever I can.  I don't mind paying a bit more for selection and quality.  To say nothing of knowledge and people who actually want to help me. 

We have an old-time NAPA store(butt-still corporate) BUTT.....two old time counter guys that can look at a part and tell you what/when/how all about it. Now, they still have to get it 'from  the warehouse' but they are right-on 90+% of the time.
I think the parts stores still have most of the stuff we need..........its the counter monkeys you hafta deal with to get it!
6s6