There are two HobbyTown USA stores in the Valley. One is over-priced on everything, but the newer one tries to be (and succeeds at being) more reasonable in pricing. I suggest locals shop at the Scottsdale HTU.
There are four other hobby shops in the Valley, not counting the crafty stores (JoAnn's, Michael's, and HobbyLobby). They all carry full lines of car/truck plastic kits, paints, and supplies, but they, too, are all religiously at MSRP. There are just no bargains any more.
The R/C folks keep most traditional hobby shops open. The days of a plastic-only shop pretty much left on the last stage out of town a long time ago.
Besides, Jonathan doesn't buy any kits locally because there aren't any Japanese hobby stores around here.