Being new to quilting I have found that the ladies and gents in the smaller stores will actually talk to you, give advice, and help you find what you are looking for. They will also often, depending on how frequently you shop there, offer impromptu discounts that will rival Joann's or any other bigger, less personable craft shop. They've even offered to let me make and appointment to meet with them for concentrated assistance as Saturday morning at 11 am is not the time to be asking a thousand questions when the shop is hopping.