I always like to buy local as much as I can, but I can't afford to buy the majority of my stuff at the LQS. I do buy some things there, though, and am thankful that they're there! Last weekend I went to the big chain store and bought a couple of marking pencils- they were dreadful! I spent more time sharpening them than using them, and they applied terribly. So yesterday I stopped in at my LQS, winced at the cash register, and came home with a Sewline, which wasn't carried at the "cheap" store. SO much better! : )