I do the same (dunno where in the good ol' USA you are, but that 'sting of taxes' is spelled with an upper case S here in CA) ... there's another factor for me in the local cigar store too ... social interaction ... (a fancy way of saying I love to bullsh** with everyone I meet there) ... I really enjoy the experience of sitting around, enjoying a really good smoke, perhaps a glass of favorite beverage (yep, that's right ... a glass of beverage IN the cigar store) and some friendly, relaxed conversation ... not unlike the board here, but it's in real time and instead of 'LOL', one gets to see the smile. At my favorite local shop, they even have an occasional lunch brought in (a good one too), and one gets a cigar, lunch, beverage AND the real-time conversation all for one low price ... eating, smoking, drinking and talking .. hell, there's only one of my favorite things missing in that lineup, so I'm there every time one of these events is held ...