Yes, but to be fair, you're not paying that money just for sushi and socks. You're also paying that money for it to better circulate in the local economy, develop and foster relationships with the employees and business owners and be able to give direct feedback on their products and services, encouraging them to continue to participate in the local economy, and on and on. Most of all, you get to be smug. Fuck you Lowes. I'm getting my $1.75 worth of nails at Jimbo's Hardware and I'll be GLAD to pay him $3 for it. Like I said, when you stop to think about it, the benefits are well worth the premium. I might buy that guy's book. It seems like an interesting read.Of course, you pay $70 for $30 sushi and $12 for socks but it's something.
Sure! Things get downright bucolic up north. And Redneckistan went from "dirt cheap" to "expensive as hell" to "cheaper than dirt" in the housing crisis. Only problem is you have to live there.