Parts! Bend over AND smile! short rant!
It's hard to compare a local auto parts store to a warehouse that sells through Amazon, Rock, Summit Etc as they are completely different business models, different volumes and overheads etc.
I try to buy stuff I know is reasonably priced locally (local parts guys always have one brand of oil on special for the dailies etc) but go online for Mopar Bits.
We are fortunate in the we have a few local chrysler specialists and they have just enough competition between them to keep prices within reach.
That said, if I didn't already have the cars and a lot of parts, I'd probably be looking for a different hobby. No way you can start out in this market.