Absolutely.
Merchants and taxes have shaped our World and nothing will change in the immediate future, our 'free market economy' has help shape and is now reliant upon it. As individuals we have to decide how much we value things and if we are prepared to pay for it. On the upside it may lead to less consumerism/environmental damage but the downside is the negative economic impact.
Choices choices, we are very fortunate to have them.