RE: Support your LHS
It's great to see that you were treated well by your local hobby shop and were able to obtain that which you were looking for. The experience should always be a pleasureable one.
Too many people have bypassed the hobby shop in favor of internet and catalog sales shopping. Those actions have caused the closing of many hobby shops in countries around the world. Hobby shops work on comparatively small profit margins for the locations required of them. Having to maintain some type of store front (a requirement of hobby suppliers), and to employ people to assist the public, causes their prices to be a little higher than internet sales locations.
Most hobby shops will do much to ensure that you can obtain the product you desire in a reasonable amount of time. Price can often be negotiated. No hobby shop can maintain an entire inventory of everything available for the hobby. Some things HAVE to be ordered. Another benefit is the sharing of experience from the shop owner and his employees. It's also often a great place to meet others that share your interests, and to discuss different technology information. All done face to face. Something you cannot do over the computer.
We should all consider spending a little more of our hobby budget at local hobby shops. It won't bring back those that have closed, but it would go a long way in keeping those left open for business. Increased sales also has a tendency to reduce selling prices.
Just some thoughts.