The retail apocalypse is creating a 'rolling crisis' that is rippling through the US economy

[LisaM]

38. Yes. The implications of not buying locally are immense.

I buy almost nothing online, with the exception of airline tickets, mostly because that's about the only option anymore. If I need to special order a book, I do it through my indie bookstore, which can almost always get it within a week. I don't even go to the self-serve at the grocery store, because I feel that it could be costing someone a job.

At some level, the consumer is at fault for this - not entirely, of course, and some people, especially the elderly and disabled, can't necessary get out and about to shop. But I've always made a huge effort to patronize local stores and restaurants and at some level I get resentful as they continue to pull down the shades and lock the doors, because something I like is being taken from me.