KQ is about an hour's drive from my place, so when there is a sale that's when I go to save on postage. However, with the cost of gas nowadays, it comes out cheaper to buy online. KQ does carry brand-name fabrics so it's more expensive to buy from them than Connecting Threads. KQ also has a return policy so you can return your purchase if you're not satisfied. The salespeople are very courteous, and know a lot about quilting so it was always a pleasure to go there. In most cases, a trip to KQ also means a day outing for me since the store is on the way to the White Mountains and the lakes.
CT only sells its own fabric collection, thus the low overhead. For tools and equipment, I go to Joann's and use the discount coupons.