It's a vicious cycle in the big box stores. When I was a kid, Michaels had an entire row stocked with kits. Both sides of the aisle, big bombers and such up top. They had ALL the Model Master paints, I believe some PollyS as well, airbrush equipment, CA. Now it's down to some square bottles of Testors and the saddest selection of kits.
Somewhere along the way, they cut the selection (probably to make room for decopage or scrapbooking or whatever) and some modelers left. Then they cut some more, and more left. Now it's at the point where the section is so useless they may as well not even maintain it. But I can't help but believe they did it to themselves to an extent.
I don't know if Hobby Lobby will go that way or not. Their kit selection is definitely wanting, and the recent paint consolidation isn't a good sign, but mine has actually expanded its supplies section, so I go there for sandpaper and fresh x-acto blades (well, Excel blades...like them better) and the like.
I agree with supporting the local shops. I buy quite a bit from King's, and would rather give them my money than Hobby Lobby or Hobbytown.
On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2
On Deck: 1/350 HMS Dreadnought
Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com