I used to work at an LDS in a non-diving part of the country (there was some river diving) and in a town that was ALL ABOUT "Eat Local, Buy Local, Be Local" in everything they did. I skipped nearly all the chains for local shops, restaurants and otherwise. I put a LOT of money into small shops where I could've saved online or otherwise. We put a lot of effort into making it a social thing as much as a business. I knew all the diver's names, what they dove, how they dove, what was up.....and I was starting to learn what rental gear they all liked best. Even big disagreements at the shop were handled pretty calmly. That shop was and is far from perfect, but they got repeat business for a reason.
HOWEVER, my LDS is awful now that I've moved. I mean REALLY awful, to the point where I won't even go there for refills for my dive log (which is sad, because they've got the good kind I like). They've done FAR too much bad to/near/around me to ever get a dime of my business again. The LDS I am going to now gets every penny I can afford, and they're 7hrs away. I don't mean just some snorkel keepers, either....I mean tanks, regs, dry suits, a scooter (coming soon), Petrel, canister lights......EVERYTHING. Everyone there knows my name, treats me well, shakes my hand, and disagreements are VERY civil.
---------- Post added September 25th, 2014 at 11:03 AM ----------
This is a choice I have made: I want to support local shops. They are convenient.
I agree, with one caveat. I will support any local shop
that deserves my business. I'll do it with a smile.