The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. They carry much better quality of yarn and supplies than the chain stores but the cost is higher, too. They have classes and will help you if you take a project in you are working on. I think they have knitting groups as well. Oh, and I love stores with especially good lighting, natural or other! My poor old eyes need all the help they can get!
Be sure to look around at all the pretty samples to inspire you!