My diving dollars are spread amongst 3 LDS' and LP and Scuba.com. As it's been said already, I support the LDS as best as I can, but, when selection is lacking and highly inflated prices are present, gear is a mouse click away.
I have my "first" LDS that got me cerified, but in the time between confined water and OW checkout, I found another LDS that I bought gear from. LDS 1 didn't have anything even remotely technical, and I wanted a Dive Rite Transpac. Voila, LDS #2. I like the folks at LDS #1, and have gone on dive trips with them. LDS #2, however, allowed me to upgrade & pay the difference on a MK 25 s600 after having problems with my 6 month old reg set. They could have stuck me but didn't. Instant Goodwill!
I can also go get in their LDS #2's pool to keep skills from corrosion ( and most importantly breathe compressed air) as long as no training sessions are booked. LDS #1 said that you can come and get in their pool to keep up your skills, but it is a great big hassle as they have swim lessions, etc. LDS #2 has gotten a lot of my equipment business since I'm in their shop on a regular basis. I've used that facility to get more comfortable with the whole diving process. On a trip to Rainbow river/ Crystal River, Florida, my dedication to boring pool work paid off in the water. Buoyancy dialed in, position in the water by breath control, zoomin' over river grass like Superman ( or would it be Aquaman in this case
)
One thing I know, I can't do pool work online!