Most areas don't really have very interesting or unique character worth preserving. Suburbs aren't built in interesting areas for the most part. Unless some local industrial corn farm or poverty stricken country town who's claim to fame was being near a rail junction (no longer used) is unique or interesting or worth preservation.

One of the reasons for the economic dominance of big box stores over quaint mom and pop shops is simple economics. Small store usually don't offer the best prices or selection. It's only at the weird long end of the tail can they exist, selling stuff that's not of a big enough general interest for the big stores.