Why don't you try calling those stores and see what kind of help you get. You might be able to get a feel for their personality from this. Also see if there is a website for that dealer - and see what's on there, expecially show N tell. If people are coming to clubs and showing a lot of finished projects (not a definite) that might lead me to believe that a lot of people are enjoying going to that shop. I know for a fact that if I were in So CA, I would be going to Cozy Quilts or whatever their new name is.