I love to shop hop and have even gotten DH into exploring new shops. I think the key is not to spend too long in a shop. I have a friend who spends hours in a shop and I don't shop with her ever. Anyway, when I shop hop, I think one yard of "glorious color" in a batik. I also look at precuts, preferably layer cakes. Then I purchase two one yard cuts of any coordinating fabric in that line. I always seem to need more of something to make a bigger quilt.
Hancock's of Paducah is a different story. When I went, I was with my sister and warned her it would be a while. She set me on the right track by saying, "I understand you are buying what you can't get at home." It opened my eyes, what could I not get at home? At that time, Neutral batiks. I purchased at least 50 yards of neutral batiks. All the same but all a little different. I have had the best time using those. I also purchased a few precuts. Since, it is over 9 hours away, I splurged. I have gone thru those batiks and it may be time to head back up there.