Where did you go? You were absent for a long time from these forums my friend. I have a feeling you might not be the real 'KIAB'..
I have an independent old style DIY shop 3 miles away, now SF and TS have opened near it. I don't mind paying a bit more to keep the independent going, especially as it has more knowledgeable staff. Lots of other people seem to think the same way, it was as busy as ever yesterday.