What a shame losing the quilt shops in Western MA. We lived in Amherst for a few years and I know it's pretty lean pickings out there.
We have a wonderful store up here in Maine called Marden's. They have a large fabric department with fabrics all under $4 per yard. Buses of ladies come down from Canada to shop the various Marden's stores.
I've never been thrilled with Wal-Mart materials and heard they were closing down that department two years ago. I know our local store doesn't have much variety so I guess they will be next.