While I really love the -idea- of supporting the local gaming store, it's really a financial no-go. I have no idea how gaming stores are even going to stay in business now that the Internet is such an easy, cheap means of getting books and other supplies.
Gaming stores are great, but it's not like the old days, where we NEEDED them in order to get the gaming goodies. Buying from a store now when the Internet makes so much more sense would essentially be an act of pure charity.
Now, my FLGS wants me to pay them $29.95 for Martial Power (for example), plus the $10 or so in gasoline to drive there and back, and the hour of my time to run the errand.
Buy.com will ship the book right to my door, and all I pay is $17.79, with shipping for free.
That's a tough sell, there. It's not like my FLGS is saving starving children or something. If I'm going to just give extra money away for no benefit to myself, there are plenty of non-profit organizations that I support.
Now, if these stores move into a business model in which they can offer things the Internet cannot, such as a really cool venue to hang out and game, highly informed and helpful employees and stellar personal service, maybe incorporating coffee/food, or hosting lots of cool events . . . then it becomes a lot more reasonable to ask me to buy my books there.
I mean, if I'm going to the store frequently ANYWAY, if it's an important community locale for me, then I'd feel almost obligated to buy my gaming stuff from them.
But most stores aren't providing much "exclusive content" as far as I've seen. I'm sorry, but I've got to stick with my 50-60% savings for now.