The nearest decent bookstore to my house is a Barnes & Noble in Idaho Falls. That is a 50 mile trek north and the inventory isn't all that good. Even with the annual membership, I'm in a losing position after paying for 100 mile round trip, local sales tax and a poorer overall discount than I could achieve with a direct online purchase.
I enjoy my business trips to the northern Virginia area. The Borders book store on Route 7 near Tysons Corner has a pretty decent computer section. I often make a purchase there and cover it by underrunning my food per diem.
As a retired graduate student and part-time college instructor I need cheap books, especially text books. I can get them online, sometimes at fabulous discounts.
Try to find a used book at your local brick and mortar store.