I too purchase the bulk of my needs from REI but I heard a rumor that they support green organizations that are ANTI 4WD. I'm not sure about this rumor and perhaps others can chime in on it's validity.

If it's true the worst part is I've been buying from then since the late 80's.

As for other stores I buy from, if I could find a decent local mom & pop shop, I'd prefer supporting local business and would even pay 10-15% more so long as they have decent service and product knowledge.

As for stores out west, many like OSHMAN's are going out of business due to the E-tailing boom. For example, Tower Records (albeit not a sporting goods store) just closed all of their retail stores in favor of their e-tail site.