Have to agree with Rustrivet above, It is so easy to go online, check off what I need & place an order at the two (2) major Champaign/Urbana, IL warehouses. I'll pay the state sales tax, as its just so convenient. and I have found their customer service to be exceptionally good.
Chicagoans will remember Stanton Hobby Shop that used to be on Milwaukee near Lawrence.....its smelled like butyrate dope & glue, just a great collection of everything including special c grain balsa for wing ribs, fuel, engines, accessories and kits. I always spent $$$ there, all long before the internet.
Recently stopped into G&G Hobbies in Griffith, IN. Good airplane guys & I plan to be back there soon with more cash.
How about hearing from some hoppy shops like G&G , what do they say & are they making a fair living?