I've almost stopped going to hobby stores. All the independent local shops around closed up either due to economy or owners passing on. All we have left are a couple HobbyTowns and they never seem to have anything that I need.

The only shop around worth going to for builders is an hour away in New Hampshire. I drive up there a few times a year but for odds and ends its hard to justify not mail ordering (I know shame shame that attitude is what drove out the local guys )