Everybody from potters to jewelry makers, from zine producers to textile painters sell their wares via locally owned stores. Home Depot sells whatever the central warehouse sends them. There is nobody on site who has the authority to add anything to the merchandise line. So the local artists will lose a way to get their product to market. Independent retailers have a commitment to the community that corporate retailers never will.
Independent retailers consider the community their home.
This is evidenced by the arrogant attitude Corporate retailers have when they are ever asked to change the designs of their stores. Ithaca witnessed the closing of Woolworth's, a store that was profitable, because of a corporate decision. The effect on Ithaca was not a factor in the decision. Look at the Corner Bookstore in comparison. Here is a case where a local merchant is struggling to keep his doors open no matter how bad business is.