I have a choice of three places I can buy bike stuff within a mile of my office.

1-Performance Bike, who annoys the snot out of me every time I go in to buy an inner tube or something equally cheap when they try to push their stupid membership, and when I say no they ask for my info so I can get on the mailing list anyway.

2-A really high end LBS that would look down on a non-conforming C&V guy like me.

3- REI, which is usually my default choice where I am left alone and am free to pick out my parts by myself. Their tire selection is horrible, but they have tools. A bike forums member who I know locally told me they pay about $8 per hour as that is what they offered her, and wanted her to do other things in the off season.

Well, at least REI is convenient.....