Wal-Mart nor Joanne's do not have the quality that a good quilt shop has!
Did you ever think of working out of the home or even a warehouse and doing quilt shows and/or shows? Something like a traveling quilt shop of people who are so fare away from local quilt shops? Ware houses can be out of the way ...But if you make a name for yourself people will go to the end of a rain bow for great fabrics. One of my friends has a shop in an old part of her town and has been in business for over fifteen years and we always go visit her shop and she has made a name for herself... So it can be done...
Lots to think about.