I like to support the local auto stores, but it's difficult to justify a double-digit percentage increase on the cost of an item. Have multiple cars in the family, plus motorcycles and a boat, so diy maintenance is a necessity to manage costs, and I also get satisfaction for learning and doing the job right. Have supported the local retailers, and for the few employees that have a length of service I have developed a friendship and appreciate their knowledge.
Have noticed a trend when buying online for a specific brand, when I go to pick it up (to save on shipping) they have substituted for a "similar" item at the same price, in which case I decline. Have been advised it is "a perfectly acceptable substitute" even though it is NOT. Exposes the lack of knowledge of the sales assistant.
Whenever I buy just an engine oil filter, I expect an upsell on the oil. If not a bundled deal it is rarely competitive. Sadly, at Autozone the Mobil 1 ESP 5 quart 0W30 plus STP Long Life filter has fallen by the wayside, my go to, so it's back to Walmart. Just replaced my H8 (49) AGM battery purchased from Walmart after shopping hard everywhere.
So upshot of all this is: local parts stores are my first port of call. I don't want them to vanish. For instance, they carry additives to help my boat get through winter storage. They provide one off parts and oddities, the correct specific Euro coolants, etc., will resurface my rotors, and provide a venue for brief social interactions with both other shoppers and staff, usually a positive experience not found at the big box stores.