We prefer the brewing supply store, because we appreciate the expertise they provide, and the customer service is excellent. Our brewing supply store sells a lot of beer and wine, too. The store is kind of split into two sections--the bottle shop up front, and the brewing supplies in back, with the cash register in between. It's not out of the ordinary for us to go in there, buy our supplies, and also buy a couple of 22s to help out with the brewing process. They also have a ginormous book of recipes that they will photocopy for you. The porter we ended up brewing is from the recipe book.
From talking with ZombieSquirrel about homebrewing in your neck of the woods, it sounds like homebrewers there kind of have to order off of the Internet right now, which sucks. Having a good store is so much better. It's a social place as well--we run into friends down there all the time, and they do tastings that we go to. The guys behind the counter are starting to recognize us
I think TT might be on to something--it sounds like there is definitely a need for a good brewing store where you are.