I work at a HF in Woodbury, MN and would like to comment on a few things but first just to put it out there - I am a huge supporter of the lqs and always purchase something from them when I visit one. I would not hesitate to direct a customer to a few nearby if we don't stock the item that the customer needs.
As far as fabric vs. quality vs. prices I truly feel that Hancock has a superior grade of cotton (overall) for the price. They do also carry two fabric lines that are of lqs quality. I personally do not feel at our store there are too many low quality fabrics.
Batiks - looked at them just today. The batiks that they sell are truly batiks. There are some other fabrics with a "wild-type" print that is stocked in the same area. They do not say "batik" on the end of the bolt and they are printed fabric.
Blender prints - as I too want more blenders, I have seen more come in the past few weeks. It is mostly stocked with the absolutely cottons and their are some M'liss blenders.
Returns - HF has a fabulous return policy. The person who's return was rejectred should call the district manager. HF has changed policies in the past year and really amped up their customer service. There should be no room for complaints as far as customer service is concerned. It's not allowed.
I feel we all shop at where we are most comfortable and for some of us - what we can afford.