You guys realize Europe has all kinds of laws against large retailers and in favor of mom & pop shops, right? This is basically about the inefficient "shopkeeper lobby" that makes it difficult to buy various things outside of weekday business hours.

Small businesses are not inherently better than large businesses. In general, employees of large businesses make more money. Larger firms tend to be more economically efficient.

I am not at all surprised that Europe has more [antiquated] small businesses. I'm a bit surprised someone is trying to present this as a boasting point.