I guess that living in the sticks does have its advantages.
I get strings and picks from Gary's Guitars.
I get my oil changed at Price's Sunnyside Garage. he always checks the fluids and tire pressure - no charge. I also get all of my repairs done there.
I get parts from Robbins.
I get gasoline at Lee Circle Market or Islington Street Getty.\
Plumbing and electrical supplies, and hardware in general from Gooch's Log Home Hardware.
Lumber comes from Fernald's Saw Mill.
Groceries come from Market Basket, a MA-NH chain.
Meat from Lee Circle Grocery.
Fish from Lo' s Oriental Market
I did buy a cofee maker from K-Mart.

I realise that urban folk do not always have the choice of vendors, nor do most suburbans, but rather than squander too much time in one of these HUGE stuporstores, take a closer look at your community. You might be pleasantly surprised -- Tom