Mark McLaughlin’s (October 31, 2015) clarification of what goes into the retailer’s cost of sales was very helpful to those who can’t understand why things bought at local brick and mortar stores cost more than the same goods bought online. The reason, it turns out (as taught in economics class) is called Time and Place Utility. This is the advantage supplied by the retailer that cannot be duplicated by any mail order house. You can have what you want at a PLACE that is convenient for you to get at the TIME you need it. In addition, the retailer actually subsidizes the mail order house by carrying in stock many items that you can examine (try it on, try it out) at the store before you risk an online purchase. So, buy local!