I shop where I can afford to, with occasional splurges here and there :wink: As much as I would love to always support local businesses, it is not always affordable...

If it has what I want and the customer service is excellent with reasonable prices then that's the store I will shop at. I would ask why the high price on the charm packs when they are half that at other quilt shops. Maybe twice the charms in the package? I grew up with Mom and Pop stores, the only ones in town. The selection was limited to what they wanted to sell to you. I have no sentiment toward local M&P stores whatsoever.

Do what you want! This is the USA! :thumbup:

I have a LQS about 5 minutes from my home, but everytime I walk in there, with the exception of one clerk they act like it is a royal inconvenience to wait on me. I've had them totally ignore me, or leave in the middle of a question to go answer the phone. I found another LQS about 20 min from my house and it is like being on another planet. They can't wait to help anyone with any question. (They even make DH feel welcome.) Even some of the other customers will help me if asked. Guess where I spend the majority of my money? I also buy on line, I love charmpacksplus.com. Good prices, great quality and the best service. I've bought off ebay, but have learned to buy known fabric lines. Some of the generic charm packs are not the best quailty fabric. Shops need to understand that consumers vote with their dollars, quilters also share their experiences on line. :-)

I would not give it a second thought. You need to get what YOU like, and pay a nice price.

Have fun looking for fabrics. One of my LQS has fat quarters on sale each month 25 for $30.00.

I'd say go to the one that you like. If people quit going to the LQS, maybe they will decide that their prices are too high and their selection is not that great and they could change things.

I buy a lot of fabric and some notions from my LQS that I purchased my machine at. When I factor in shipping on most stuff, her prices are comparable to what I would get online. But I buy online as well for stuff she doesn't carry. I don't feel quilty about it. I'm supporting someone else's LQS when I buy online. :) I'm a big advocate of small business and try very hard to support them. I try my very hardest NOT to support Walmart.

My LQS has put them on permanent sale 20 for $25.00. They are made with the end of the bolt fabrics so you can not get yardage of any of them. I have gone with my niece and we split the purchase.

TRY SHOPPING ON LINE FOR FABRIC HAVE FOUND SOME REAL BARGINS.