You may find that if you are a great supporter of a local LFS that you may not get a GREAT deal on items needed, but, You will get AMAZING deals on other stuff that you want or need later. Buying from the same person, supporting those you deal with will be more benificial in the long run.
Just my opinion. I like deals too, but, I like when I can go somewhere and they recognize me when I walk in. I seem to get better deals that way. Here in Canada I have been paying 90.00 for a bucket of Pro reef. But what ever I want, they get for me, even if they don't stock it.