@EricLawton There's practically no public transport in my area. Many small village shops are closing. Many young people are moving out. Old people without cars are fucked.
@EricLawton Our village shop has low selection – although they're flexible and carry non-perishables that I ask for – but, surprisingly have low prices. But it's a tiny, one-and-a-half person family business. It is the only shop in the village 4 km away. Our village is just a few houses, no shops of any kind.
@szescstopni
In my dad's case, the small village shops remained and possibly got more business, but their prices are higher and selection lower. It's good that specialty stores like the village bakery survive but OTOH, access to medical and other services, and larger stores were only available required a long, expensive taxi ride after the bus service was cancelled.