FP,
By all means, support your local hobby shop whenever you can.
He is the guy there on Saturday afternoon when you realize you need something
to finish that special project for tomorrow's fun fly.
If he is better than or near the online price, jump at the chance to keep him in business.
Often they are able to get you stuff at the same price as Tower and the others.
Yes, you will probably have to pay the sales tax but they stay in your community also.
Everyone wins.
I don't have a LHS and have to do everything online and it is a big PITA,
especially when you need one small item.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter