"Having said that, yes places like Tags are my prefered places and I do try to shop at smaller stores when possible, but sometimes its very very hard"

But I'm guessing Tags can't provide a truck bed full of drywall (or that type of thing). Home Depot has had great appeal to the do-it-your selfer due to convenience and price. At the same time they've put a lot of small hardware stores out of business. I can't tell you how many times I've wished Mass Hardware was still in business around the corner from us. They were expensive, and had awful customer service, but sometimes you just don't want to have to drive across the city for a bag of nails, you know?

Along these lines I'm reading an interesting book right now RE responsible consumerism . . . be on the lookout in my journal for a review soon :)