"The Long Tail of Bud"

"The Long Tail of Bud" article below illustrates how big corp are trying to tap the long tail effect; here with Bud's example, going from 26 to 80 brands - with new microbrews, only in Texas beers and beers for Women.

The interesting question is whether the concept extends to the physical world with limited shelf space or is a web based phenomenon only ?
In the long term will it help solidify the grip of big co or will it really open the doors for small businesses?

http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2007/02/the_long_tail_o_2.php