I support local stores if the price is within 10%. I also will use local stores if the item is one that really needs to be felt, tried on, etc. If we do not support local stores there soon will not be any local stores. I also watch sales at local stores - if you are patient, you often can get just as good a deal. I probably buy about 70% of my gear locally. Shipping costs are getting quite high and if you have to return something and pay shipping, soon you are not saving that much.