When ordering from most companies, the shipping for 1 kit (or 1 item) is always high, but when you add another kit or 2 or other supplies the total shipping becomes more reasonable per item.
I agree that aside from support, buying local has lots of other benefits. Depending how local your local LHBS is and realizing you will pay tax on most items, it may cost the same or a bit more vs. mail order, but it can be very convenient, gives you someone to talk to, ask questions, and build an overall good supplier/customer relationship. Many LHBS' are still growing themselves, and want to build those relationships with their customers and expand.
Although I buy most of my equipment online, HBT classifieds, or Craigslist, and buy sacks of grain through group buys, I still buy lots of specialty grains, all my yeast, sundries, adjuncts, and what not from my LHBS.
