I now buy 99% of my fabric online either thru Ebay or several favorite sites. I live in an area where there isn't a LQS for over 40 miles! By buying online I am able to get LQS quality at a fraction of the price!
For me personally the quality of fabric from Walmart, Joann's and Hancocks is really poor compared to LQS or online and I never purchase from these stores.
I love to go to the LQS to see and touch all of the fabric. I get ideas from the finished projects on display and actually seeing the fabrics I'm interested in purchasing.
When I visit a LQS I always make it a point to purchase something. If I lived closer to any LQS I would certainly be purchasing more fabric through them.
I realize a lot of ladies are on a very tight budget...but I am too! It takes time and patience to make "bidding" purchases thru Ebay. I just bide my time and purchase only when it is a bargain. I usually won't pay more than $1.70 for a FQ or $5.00 for a yard cut of material. I'm talking about Moda, RJR and Michael Miller for example.
Hope this helps!