Since we have nothing "locally"...I drive for an hour...(each way) to go to my LQS. I do buy quite a bit when I go...I just don't go all that often. Now...if she offers a class that i'm interested in..then I'm there in a heartbeat. The thing that the small business owners need to understand is that they MUST offer something that we can' get online. My LQS does know my name, they will mail me merchandise that I call and ask for, they do classes anytime I need one at a very reasonable price, they know my machine and can service it and offer me advice over the phone to help me out. I will and do support them, I buy "project" fabric from them because I can touch it and feel it., I buy "stash" fabric and lots of gadgets-on line.