i shop alot on line these days- i (luckily) have not seen the prices you speak of- around here the small lqs is still around $8 a yard the other lqs is a bit higher but always has been- she's over $10 now...but i have always taken advantage of a larger selection and better prices shopping on line. if i know i can get it for a good price at the lqs i still go there- but i always check online too. it's a shame to have access to hundreds of great shops and not support them too. since every shop is different- some carry almost all reproduction fabrics, some shabby chic's, some batiks- novelties...they are all so different and visiting them online opens up a whole new world for us