They're just more. . .comfortable, I guess. They don't have the same personality as independent shops, but they give you a much easier and more consistent experience. When I walk into a chain store, I don't have to worry about the owner watching me the whole time, or interrupting a book club that I didn't realize meets every Tuesday night, or having an embarrassing checkout because they don't accept my credit card, etc. Independents have charm, yes, but they can't match the big box guys in the areas that matter to me. It's easier, cheaper, and less stressful to shop at a chain store. *shrug*

Then again, I do 90% of my shopping online anyway (for the very reasons I outlined in the previous sentence), so my opinion doesn't matter very much.