Buying online is almost a necessity, or at least it seems like it. Here in town there's an Ace Hardware, a gun and drug store, a small Napa, and a grocery store. But for most other stuff it's a trip to Medford or Grants Pass, and that's $12–$20 dollars in gas minimum. Then there's driving to multiple stores just to not find what you were looking for. Or if you do find it, you look online and it's a ton cheaper with free shipping.
Most firearm accessories have to be ordered online, unless it is something for an AR or a Glock. And anything firearm tool related is online.
But simple stuff is the same way. I was looking for another pair of Carhartt utility jeans. Carhartt store- nope, nothing in my size. Same with 3 western wear stores, Coastal Ranch, Grange Co-Op, Blackbird Ace, Sportsman's Warehouse and Tractor Supply. Now if I was of less stature, shall we say, I would be in luck. 6'2", 290 lbs, 42x34. Yep- a dinosaur and built like one.
I guess that's the biggest reason for online shopping. By the time you've found what you need at a brick and mortar, you've spent way more in gas, time, and probably price than what it sells for online with free shipping.