I'm lucky. The hobby shop closest to me is also the one I like the best. They are friendly - even my wife doesn't mind going in. They are knowelagable about almost all rc vehicles. They keep tons of stock on hand and can get whatever else in (usually) less that a week. And finally their prices are usually competitive with online sites when you add shipping into the equation.
The store I won't go back to is the one where the owner actually followed me around, watching so I wouldn't steal anything. To top that off, while he was following me he acted like I was disturbing him when I asked a question. Cripes, I was the only customer in the store and he was following me anyway, what else did he have to do????????? Anyway, if that shop is my only choice, I'll do without.