Unique local shops keeping it real by keeping it 'weird'

The small local shops are trying to compete with the much bigger chains, such as Wal-Mart, by advertising with a new, weird style. This is occurring in small to midsize cities and towns across the United States. If these shops can succeed with this unique way to draw attention then the large chains will not step foot in their areas. Do you think this will actually work? Do you think these large companies want to even be in these smaller communities?