I switched shops this summer, entirely due to meeting someone on a club ride who works one evening a week at the shop. (Liz, are you STILL lurking?) She is great at answering newbie questions, and I got up the newve to get my bike fit there, and the owner, who did the fit, was very patient with all my questions, and very understanding about adjusting my second-hand bike to fit my apple-shape better. They don't have a huge stock of clothes, but if I wrecked my shorts and jersey and needed replacements fast, I could find something. Also, they offered a free maintainance clinic.
What would I love to see that I don't? Newbie rides.