I'm with you Gru - both the stash building and seeking new alternatives. I confess that until recently I hadn't paid much attention to the prices. I would notice if something was on the sale rack - but not the prices (reg or sale). If I liked it, I bought it - the price was the price.
Now I'm paying closer attention to which stores have the best prices. I got a "We'd Rather be Quilting" book that has dozens of shops in my area and I've been to more than a few, and I'm looking at some of the online stores more (just placed an order tonight with Connecting Threads for some trial fabric and thread).
I'm also buying in yardage now - 2-3 yards min as opposed to collecting FQ's which is what most of my stash is.