VIRGINIA BEACH — Last year, power tools powerhouse Stihl Inc. helped a small local merchant open a new store in Chesapeake. Stihl designed and built the showroom for Land & Coates, one of its lawn equipment dealers, absorbing a large chunk of the expense, said Barden Winstead, the retailer’s general manager. Land & Coates, a family business with three other Hampton Roads stores, saved at least a third of the cost to start up the new location.“Stihl invested in our new store out there. They’re almost a partner,” Winstead said. “Everything they do, it’s obvious that they care about...