Originally Posted by graphicgr8s 
Well my closest b & m shop is open from 8:30 - 5. Closed weekends. Makes it real hard to do business with. It's website is non existant. Still can't figure out how it stays open. I rarely buy over the net. I like being able to go an pick someone's brain for knowledge. And if it's a fair price I buy. I may be able to get it cheaper on line or even in another store but if the people are knowledgable, etc than I am willing to pay for it. There are 2 stores I buy my tropical fish supplies and 1 place I buy my model railroad stuff. I may pay a bit more but the fellowship, comraderie, knowledge, etc. more than makes up for the feww dollars more. You need more than one source for everything. Not everything can be carried in one store and they know that. But I still prefer local whenever possible.
JMO
We have a local hobby shop that deals mainly in model planes but they do stock some railroad stuff including .027 and I do business with them for time to time. What gauge railroad stuff are you into? They are tied into the local model plane clubs and railroad clubs. Their prices are competitive. Staying in tune with the various groups and clubs helps. Even though they specialize in the planes and other rc stuff, they have always been willing to order Lionel stuff and are an authorized Lionel dealer which is where I get my annual Lionel catalogs.