There is nothing left in the entire southern half of New Jersey and only a few stores left in Philly.(posted 8277 days ago)Part of the problem is that the low volumn walk-in business can't compete with the larger mail order houses in price or selection. I think that there are more choices in papers, film and chemistry than there where in the past. This makes it difficult for a local store to carry everything that everyone want. It also means that their Dektol sits on the shelf because so many customers want Ilford or Sprint or some other paper developer that the store does not stock. B&H, Calumet and Freestyle (for example) can stock a wide range of items, partly because they are in big cities, but also because they can advertise nationaly and sell all over.
Home Depot and Lowes have closed many local hardware stores and lumber yards. WalMart has closed many local 5&10 stores, toy stores and others. This does not happen because the big stores targeted the small (although some of that does happen), it is because the customers chase the lower prices and give up the service provided by smaller dealers.