
After quite a bit of searching, I found one of the items I wanted to buy. Unfortunately, it was priced at least $100 more than I was expecting. The research I had done online said that the price I found was the highest one could expect and that I should have no trouble finding it for considerably less. But the salesperson at this store was so rude, I realized I could not remain civil and left.
Prices were better at the next place, but of course, they didn't have the item I was looking for. I did find a few things I needed, but none of the main reasons I went shopping in the first place. To my surprise, the third store did not even sell the sort of stuff I was looking for.
At this point, I realized I was screwed. There weren't any more stores in town that sold what I wanted. This is a small town with few options and little competition. The only other store that might have been relevant had gone out of business a few months ago. I'd either have to go back to the first store, deal with their attitude, and pay way more than I should have to, or I'd have to be willing to drive 90 miles each way to try my luck elsewhere. I went home.
I suppose I only have myself to blame. By shopping online, I have contributed to the demise of all but the massive chain stores with their high prices and poorly trained workers. I guess I saw it coming. Now I'll just have to live with it.