The Internet has dug its mandibles into the heart of independent stores. Products from across the globe are now available at prices few local businesses can match. Is it good to pay a higher price for something if you can get it cheaper online?

Stiles Bliss

Age: 22 Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Retail

Have you ever bought anything online? Yes, I bought term papers... school supplies.

Did you save money and time? When I bought stuff for my own business.

What types of businesses have been affected? A place like Amazon.com affects every mom-and-pop store.

Ron Silva

Age: 35 Resides: Pacific Grove

Occupation: Retail Business Owner

How do you see virtual stores affecting small business? The sites that are selling new retail merchandise are cutting into the small business. But auction sites are generating income for the small stores.

What other types of business are being affected? Bookstores—the big guys, because they buy at such low prices it doesn't affect them.

Do you think that online stores will end up dominating retail? No. An Internet site will give you a discount but you don't get the quality experience.

Carol Smith

Age: 50 Resides: Stockton

Occupation: Business Manager

Have you ever purchased anything online? Yes, some baby furniture and some china It was a lot cheaper. I didn't pay tax or shipping, and even when it never arrived, I re-ordered from the same company.

Do you see e-commerce beating out retail as we know it? I don't think that either one is being jeopardized by the other. It's giving people a better resource and just another option.