We had such a great experience! You walk into these places and the people who work there are professionals (not just employees!) They really know their stuff! I had this perception that if you specialized, it was going to cost sooo much more. Not true. And they usually make it so much easier to work with them. It's like Customer Service is a verb, not just a desk where you return things. Here are two examples;
Dimmer switch--
we had these little plastic things that had broken. We went to a big box to get a replacement. They said you couldn't buy the individual part, only the entire faceplate. $30 was too much to pay for that! 
Then we checked with a lighting store. Eilene knew when I showed her the broken part exactly who the manufacturer was. She ordered some new ones for me right away. When I came in a week later to pick them up, she even remembered me by name. Oh yeah, and the part was only $2!
Stairs--We had this thing that had broken off of the stairs, I didn't even know what to call it.
We took the broken one to the big box but they didn't have it, or any helpful information. A neighbor suggested Huetter Mill. So I walked in the door (it's a beautiful showroom by the way, you should check it out!) and the lady behind the counter was so helpful. She knew the exact name of the piece I wanted (bullnose)
and when I told her that I only needed one 4 inch piece, she gave it to me for free! Amazing.Anyway, I have learned my lesson. I could go on and on, but I will simplify by saying: If you need a special part, go to a specialty store. You'll get great, personal service, you'll get your part without alot of hassle, and you'll find that the price is just right.
