When I started sewing in the 70's there was a long established store in my area called Fisher's. It was there for decades and only closed a few years ago. Then I started shopping at Joann when I moved. It was a lot nicer than it is now. Either that or I wasn't as knowledgeable as I am now about fabrics. Also a chain (I think) called Mila. Then I started quilting and hit the quilt shops. Now I buy almost all my fabric online.