I don't get the point of retainers in wards anymore anyway. Does anyone actually go to the physical retainers to shop anymore?
Yes. I do, to save the search fee. I'm not rich and I don't like being wasteful, so unless I'm in a hurry, I'll take the time to go to the retainer to avoid the search fee. And on one or two occasions, I've actually bought other stuff sold by the same retainer. Funny how that happens sometimes. The retainers offer oppertunities for secondary sales.

I also really like the anonymity the retainers provide, as their name appears in the history, not the player's name.