If I had to depend on local shops....I would be into RC or dollhouses no detail parts, just kits..like Michaels.
If I lived near Atlanta /Buford I would live at the local shops, like Trainmasters, or Hobby Town(got my last MCM there!)
So I play the internet...savings are great, along with the stock...However I hate to wait.
The quickest service has always been from Dennis @Model Express...2 or 3 days max....Washington state to Florida