Shane,
I've been shopping at that Tandy store for MANY years now and have NEVER incountered HALF of what you are claiming!! Prices are what they are, YOU should be very aware of this. You buy the leather, make an item and sell it.....for PROFIT!!! Do you think Tandy will sell you something without there profit margin? YES, prices do go up and NO, Tandy does not have to tell you about it. You will find out on your next purchase. And why is it taking you 2 hours to drive from Baton Rouge to New Orleans???? I make that drive every weekend (from Baton Rouge) and it only takes me an hour and 15 minutes, driving the speed limit. Not assuming anything about your driving habits, but thats not Tandys fault.
As far as the "same bug bit, scratched" leather you tried to buy......you as well as everyone else on this site knows that you have options. If you don't like what you see, you have the option of buying somewhere else. It's called a free market society!! You make holsters, well, I'll make sure I buy my holsters from someone who's not complaining about the leather at Tandy!! I've purchased my leather from several different sources and trust me, Tandy notices. Not to making excuses for Tandy, but they did change tanneries because of the quality of leather was decreasing at an incredible rate. BUT, in the meantime, they have literally thousands of hides in their warehouse that need to be sold. So, they will sell those FIRST before putting out the "good stuff", to recoup their money. If you don't like the conditions of the leather, again, find another supplier.
As with the employees there, yes, that store has had some issues, just like any other business. Kristin is not the manager but she is one of the most knowledgable employees I know!!! When she quotes you a price, there is no mistake, that's the price. Ross is currently the new store manager and he is a great guy, I met him this past Saturday. The "attitude" you received was NOT attitude, it was someone doing business with you and not bowing down to your request and from what I've read, it pissed you off. All I can tell you is.......Cry a river, Build a bridge, and GET OVER IT!!!!