I disagree, I bought my SQ9000 from Wal Mart a couple of years ago and it still does all I ask of it.
I bought my Brother PE 770 online from a Vac/sewing machine store and it too does what I ask of it.
My Janome 11543 was purchased off of Overstock.com and it runs just as good as the day it was delivered.
Also if I ever had a problem with a product bought at either of these stores. My issues were taken care of to my satisfaction every time.
I would rather give my business to Wal Mart or Jo-Ann's any day.