If you've had the opportunity to travel around the US much, and if you've been paying attention, you've probably noticed how much one place looks like every other. If you want to go out for dinner, you'll find lots of Olive Garden's, Outback's, Chili's, Applebee's, McDonald's and Taco Bell's, but you'll have to look hard to find a Mama's Cafe.
Most towns will have multiple branches of Bank of America, Citibank, Chase, and Wells Fargo, but it's doubtful you'll still find a local First National Bank. You'll find lots of Chevy, Ford, Dodge, and Toyota dealers that may have a sign that says "Proudly serving _____ since 1974", but if you'll Google it you'll probably find it's now owned by one of the hundred-dealer auto conglomerates.
You probably won't find a local Tip Top Grocery, but you'll find plenty of 7-11's, Quick Trip's, and RaceTrac's. And almost all sell gas, too, which has put the locally owned and operated 4-pump Exxon's and Texaco's out of business. Grocery stores are now dominated by big names like Walmart and Kroger's. Find yourself in need of a pair of pliers or a screwdriver? You'll likely find a Lowe's or Home Depot before you find a Floyd's Hardware.
Have an unexpected day free for some fishing? You'll burn up a tank of gas looking for Bubba's Bait and Tackle, while you drive right past Cabela's, Bass Pro Shop, Academy, and Dick's. Need a dress shirt? Ken's Man's Shoppe is long gone, replaced by Men's Wearhouse, Dillard's, and Joseph A Bank's. Rick's Furniture was killed off by the likes of Nebraska Furniture Mart and Haverty's, who are themselves now keeping a wary eye on Wayfair.
This is true for every midsize and large city I've been to in recent years. It may or may not be true if you're in some place like East Bull Turd, Alabama. Even then, if East Bull Turd happens to be within 30 or 40 miles of a major city, it will soon be a growing suburb and will see this phenomenon, too. And if it's too far away to attract city commuters, then it will likely continue to just wither away.
The little guys don't stand a chance these days, and even the big guys are now feeling the heat from the 500-pound gorilla in the room....Amazon. I guess it's true what they say: "The only thing constant is change." *sigh*
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