So when I was huge into this stuff, I dropped so much cash at Long and mcquade. Their prices are very competitive with online stores for stuff like this. They custom order stuff for you if you want. For instance I wanted a specific fender bass and they ordered 1 for me from the catalogue.
I have had my odd run in with managers who tried to flex their muscles but they were mostly losers on power trips. All the staff I've dealt with over the years have been pretty decent.