Do you want a "Gas station" Relationship? I think you miss a lot if you don't become a part of your LDS and make relationships that will encourage you to dive more or continue your training! Usually they're associated with a dive club and can be great resources for dive buddies and learning from the more experienced divers! I believe in fostering a good relationship with the people I will be recreating with! That is the problem with big box stores! You would look silly hanging out at the counter in the sporting goods department, but your LDS should accommodate a place to meet, checkout new equipment, and encourage divers to meet and chat! My LDS is the Cheers of Dive stores and on any given afternoon you can find someone watching a video, having a Soda, or chatting with the owner or one of the regulars! Mayberry RFD or the local Barber Shop, maybe, but I wouldn't trade that homey feeling and all the great people I have met for volume sales and discount prices in town! So like most things you get out of it what you put into it! If you don't have a shop like this? Find out why!