I agree that smaller local stores tend to have more of an online start-up than a brick and mortar one. There is less of a risk factor, more opportunity for exposure to larger numbers of customers. Especially when you're talking about a product that isn't mainstream and serves more of a niche market. In my opinion, anyone starting a small business (depending on what you're selling) is better off starting online, and once sales reach a certain point then you can start to consider the possibility of a physical shop. Personally, I love going into a store and actually browsing items and physically being able to see and hold something to test its quality before making a purchase. However, I also much prefer to support a smaller, local business, than a larger chain business (within what's reasonable for my price range). I buy my groceries at a South Australian supermarket, and buy fresh fruit and veg from the local farmers market (fresher and cheaper). I buy my pet supplies from small local businesses as opposed to large, chain pet stores, or pet stores that sell puppies and kittens in store.

In terms of society, I think small business plays a very important role. For someone with dreams and ideas, if there's no room for small business in the market, what can they do with those ideas, sell them to a big company? Small business gives individuals the opportunity to start something and make a life for themselves, rather than relying on other companies. I don't really think there's room to favour brick and mortar over online stores or visa versa, because both certainly serve a purpose and have their place. Brick and mortar will always be there, and perhaps in some instances they become too great of a presence with big bulk stores that carry almost everything (from groceries to hardware and leisure items etc) I understand why stores have gone in that direction, but I feel that the generalisation of stores instead of specialising will eventually be a downfall, not to the retailer but to the customer.