I just let off some steam. A google on the topic led me to a forum post by a quilt shop owner who says it's a shame more of us don't support our local quilt shops!!!!!
The [insert a long stream of really nasty words] NERVE!!!!
Since when did the customer have an obligation to the business? THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is the real reason for fabric prices. Snobbery. I'm no bleeding heart liberal, but such arrogance among the "haves" and contempt for the "have nots" really fries my bacon.
Here's a thought for the elitests: how about they charge a fair price so the rest of us can afford to flock to their shops like pilgrims to Mecca?