I have about 12 LHS's in my normal travel areas. Of those, most are franchise stores and a few are no-name LHS M&P's.

The franchise stores:

IMHO these stores try to be all things to all people and specialize in NOTHING. You must know exactly what you want and how to use it. I buy servos or maybe some glue if I need it right-now, but that's about it.

The M&P's:

There are 2 M&P LHS's about 120 miles apart that I really like. The best one is in Murrietta, CA. The owner is always there, he flies and builds PLANES and he knows what GOOD stuff is; and is not afraid to tell you NOT to buy something even if it means he won't sell you anything. I buy almost everything from his store. They do mail-order and have a web site you can order from after hours. AND you can order say a Giant Scale airplane through him for the same price as direct from the MFG and KNOW that someone will be there to sign for the boxes and KNOW they won't get stolen from your doorstep. I think I am putting his kids through college.