The high shelves at Fry’s went away because people sued after injuring themselves getting things off higher shelves and due to shoplifters stealing things, just FYI.
However, your point otherwise still stands - lots of things one wants or needs are often not available in local stores, even in major metropolitan areas. Or you spend days calling/visiting stores only to not find it.
I had not heard that about the high shelves at Fry’s. What about the ultra-high shelves at Costco, Home Depot, et al?