My point was based upon fact, TotalWine has been around since 1991. I'm happy they're now located wherever you are, not sure what the confederacy has to do with anything. TotalWine originated in Delaware "the first state" above the Mason Dixon line and they have 72 locations nationwide. Clearly not a "new" mega-store.
@john gacy
I consider rare beers to be anything that you won't find readily available through standard distribution. I live in one of the few cities in the US where it's legal to import beers outside of the three tier distribution system. Shops will pay people to drive beers back from California, Oregon, Washington State, etc. When they get a small shipment of Russian River they'll keep stock for regular customers. They set aside two bottles of Fantome Noel for me over the holidays and recently picked up some Brasserie De Silly La Divine after I mentioned how much I enjoyed that breweries Noel Tripel Blonde.
Good customer service and supporting small local business is worth a few extra dollars, IMO.