i think that a lot of fabric places, big and small, just can't compete with online stores. after all, online stores don't even need to be a store. they can just be a warehouse to reach hundreds of thousands of people. and who can compete with the selection? most of them do take back cut pieces, but you still pay for s + h. both ways. plus you don't get to feel the fabric. the big stores don't care about that. it's all bottom line. think about it: how many sewers are there in your immediate community? it's cheaper now to buy clothing made in china and tiawan (sp?) than to make it and proportionately few people quilt.
i hate online shopping and i hate joann's, but i buy online and only buy from joann's with a good coupon.