I shop at LQS in small towns and larger cities as I travel often. What I have concluded is where there is competition the prices are lower. Where there is no competition the prices are higher. I went in a shop in a small Virginia town where the policy stated it you purchased everything for your quilt in this shop and at one time, you were given a 25 percent discount.
I had gone in the shop only for the main fabric for my next project and ended buying everything to finish it including the backing and batting. I plan on returning often and think this shop owner is indeed a smarty.