Where have you found the best places (ie price/quality/selection) for camping gear? Academy? pro bass? cabellas? I'll be price shopping and probably talk some poor salespersons ear off about the finer points of tent features.
Cabela's has always been good to me. If you go to a store (even if you aren't buying) ask if you can set up the tent (smaller ones at least). If they say no ask if any of the staff owns one to get opinions.
Look for the discount version of the expensive stores. We have a fancy outdoors store (overpriced) with a discount location (great prices, limited stock). Bass Pro has a great discount store in Springfield, MO.