The long and steady demise of small stand-alone retail stores continues. It is what it is, I guess, but I'm sorry for it nonetheless.

Consider this story about a western wear store in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. For 65 years cowboys and dudes visited Gene's Western Wear and Shoe Hospital to cowboy-up.

Now it is closing the doors.

Sorry, pard, the big box stores and the Internet have changed shopping habits.

Plus, people don't buy boot and repair them any more. They throw them away and buy a cheap new pair.

So long, Gene's. We'll miss you.