How has e-commerce affected local markets? Responses Virtual economies have emerged to meet the needs of online shoppers that favor the use of digital currency, causing inflation and reducing the size of local markets. Virtual economies have emerged to meet the needs of online shoppers that favor the use of digital currency, causing inflation and reducing the size of local markets. The digital economy has expanded to overtake local markets due to the mass distribution of 3D printers. The digital economy has expanded to overtake local markets due to the mass distribution of 3D printers. E-commerce has allowed for the rapid expansion of stock buying, which has increased the use of international manufacturing and reduced the need for local factories. E-commerce has allowed for the rapid expansion of stock buying, which has increased the use of international manufacturing and reduced the need for local factories. Internet-based shopping has consolidated spending and led to a reduction of spending at local markets, causing a disproportionate balance of wealth. Internet-based shopping has consolidated spending and led to a reduction of spending at local markets, causing a disproportionate balance of wealth.