Dotcom raises a critical point. LQS don't have the economies of scale that a Wal-Mart has so they can't price as cheaply and they don't have the clout with manufacturers that WM has to get the same pattern put on a less high quality fabric so they can sell it more cheaply (and WM is all about lower prices at any cost - I used to work for one of their vendors and I know).
And LQS have to have a storefront with staff and inventory for a certain number of hours every week whether anyone comes in to shop. They have higher costs than an internet vendor and so have to charge higher prices.
I am not advocating for shopping or not shopping at any certain place. I can only give you my policy. I don't shop at WM for fabric because I don't like the feel and I am lucky enough to be able to pay the prices at a LQS. I do shop online sometimes, especially when I want something that I can't find locally. And I do shop at LQS all over the place because I want to be able to continue to go into a store, feel the fabric and put different combinations together until I get it just right.
Each of us has to make the decision for his or her self. If you think the quilt shop prices are too high and you choose to shop on line, then you should be willing to forego shopping at the LQS when there is a sale or asking for help from the staff when you aren't financially supporting the store. I don't think it's fair to shop elsewhere day to day but then want the LQS to be there to meet your other needs that are less costly and more immediate. Or they will be gone.
End of my sermon...