The sad truth is that with bad economy or not, between big box stores and Internet suppliers, the local shops are doomed. We are trained to look for the best deal, if I can get the same fabric for $6 a yard ordering it from ----.com and maybe even get free shipping if I order enough, I surely won't pay $10 for it at ---Quilt Shop. The ease and convenience of ordering online and the great deals because most of these online suppliers don't have as high keepup costs as local shops do,make it an attractive choice for many.
Sadly, I see a world in the not-so-distant future, where we won't be able to go to a shop to buy fabric(or many other things), and we'll HAVE to order everything online. Many may not mind...but it saddens me greatly. I have great time visiting my LQS (there are five within a 30 minute drive from house), touching fabric, matching things up and talking and listening to stories. I've never seen a LQS get wealthy, they charge what they need to charge to keep the lights on and generate little income to live on.
OK, I am off of my soapbox...