I think that every LQS has the same basic set of fabric mfgrs they offer and most cant afford to stock things which are off the beaten path. It is pretty homogenous. Like every shopping mall in the country has the same stores selling the same stuff and you can get McDonald burgers around the world.
I think that looking to unique quilt patterns was a great idea. Or to fabrics locally hand dyed or something similar.
I had similar experiences except in Central America and in Bahamas where the fabric stock is quite different.