Is Amazon terribly different than Sears & Roebuck? I don't think so. Sears compiled a long list of products to offer in their catalog often much cheaper than "Fred's Family Hardware". Sears didn't mfg everything themselves. Most was mfg by someone else with contracts to Sears. I worked in a factory that made both Sears garden tractors/mowers and the Roper brand. Difference was which sticker we put on the hood. 

We had a large Sears store locally with a good size catalog dept in the rear of the store. We could order our David Bradley implement parts there & pick them up a day or 2 later. Or, you could wait a couple days for the "local" train to drop them at the depot.

Sears catalog ordering was available in military PX's.

Later Sears went to catalog ordering in each department, like the clothing, or tools or electronics. Then later they closed the store & went to online ordering. 

This all took place from 1888 to 2021. First catalog & last store. I don't see any difference between Amazon & Sears, except on-site service. 

To me it seems prudent to shop for things. Not saying you always have to go with the cheapest. It depends on the situation. Much has to do with how quick you need the product. Amazon deliveries are hard to beat. I'd say 90% of their deliveries are in much less time than they advertise. 

That's "here" anyway. I understand local business also. I've seen the time when local business doesn't have an item in stock, and has absolutely no idea when they'll get next shipment (not their fault), but Amazon shows "more than 50 in stock...." and is $10 cheaper & offers free delivery/shipping in 2 days, what do you do? I know what we do.