I have heard of many similar instances in the past, the problem is what appears to be a bargain is far too tempting to let go. The thing I have noticed also in my part of the world that even with "express" postage one particular retailer is stilll cheaper than a number of the few remmaining locl traders.
I know we can't compare on quality grounds, but remember the days when even Supermarkets sold trains, and every town seemed to have at least one shop that sold some?