Comment by Ancalagon

At least in the US I think it’s an economy-of-scale thing. People get used to products at specific prices, because they’re used to shopping at the big box stores. Then when an independent or mom-and-pop store opens, their prices are a bit higher because they can’t survive on such small margins. Then there’s sticker shock by the customer, the independent store gets bought out or closes due to lack of money, and the cycle repeats or another big box retailer moves in.