In general I think there is a monotony of convenience.

15 years ago when Trader Joe's was first coming anywhere close to RI it was pretty exciting because if you were a fan you didn't have to drive to Needham or Framingham to go. But in a way needing to make that trip made it feel worth more and be special in some way, and then you would have some Trader Joe's specific stuff in your pantry that you think fondly of because you are holding it for six months until your next trip or whatever.

With it just being there, it can pale in comparison to your regular old grocery store, though for footprint, I actually do think it is possible to make it a one stop regular grocery but requires some compromise - if you like fresh fish you are almost completely out of luck. If you have brand specific tastes, like in potato chips or yogurt, you are out of luck.

I'm wondering if this same thing would happen with other popular bigger box stores people are craving like a local Costco or IKEA or whatever else.