I think the important distinction is not between "bricks and mortar" on the one hand and "anonymous Amazon-type retailer" on the other. More important, probably, is the distinction between community-minded businesses that show responsibility where workers' rights, environmental impact, and community health are concerned, and businesses that drive those community-minded businesses into the ground.

I understand sunburntkamel's point about getting your work out there if you're an independent artist. It seems we need to be using the internet our advantage as indie-supportive folks, to help both indie artists and community-oriented retailers!

...because public space really matters!

Elizabeth