My favorite LQS closed when the owners moved to another state. I miss that shop so much. I took my first quilting classes there and they were so helpful. I could always find what I needed there. I stopped in to sew or visit often and left a lot of my money there. I miss that shop so much.
The shop closest to me now just depresses me. The owner is always telling you what to buy and how to do things but not in a helpful way. It is sort of like she wants you to make the quilt she wants to see. I don't know quite how to explain it but it keeps me away.
The other shops close to me have limited lines, really crazy prices (I just cannot bring myself to pay $13-$15/yd. plus tax) or treat you like you are bothering them if you ask a question.
I do the local shop hops twice a year and have found shops I love but they are always so far away that classes are out of the question and I have to plan a day if I want to go back. So I try to plan projects and buy fabric for them during the shop hops. Ok and if something speaks to me I buy it then also and stash it. If I need something in between I usually buy online. That's the best I can do until I find a shop close enough that I feel welcomed and happy to go into.