It's now been 7 (great) years since I resumed skiing, and, have never had a trusting relationship with a brick and mortar ski shop. I've always been somewhat uncomfortable in the store environment, so many skis, clothes, and miscellaneous gear, not to mention some really big price tags. In a couple of minutes, I just don't think a meaningful dialogue can be established between myself and most technical sales people. I'm not bender of skis to predict performance; the wall of skis in a shop is overwhelming.
So selected internet gear experts have become my trusted ski gear research consultants. I've come to believe and trust Harald Harb, Dawgcatching, Philpug, and Sierra Jim, to name a fw. On our site, John Botti, Max, Helluvaskier, High Angles and Bushwacker are people worthy of listening too. (and sometimes sorting out the personal preferences differentiating them)
However, I do have a great friend and trusted adviser in Phil Pugliese. We did get to spend days on snow while he resided in Philly, but, he's now located in Tahoe as a member of the Start Haus team. I would refer anyone to Phil for gear procurement via Start Haus. Great advice, great pricing, great service.
The Haus did a great job of tuning a pair of skis for me, Phil gave me guided tour of the tuning room during my Tahoe visit last season. It's impressive. They do work for many racers in that area evidenced by at least 20 pairs of skis dropped off for tunes by the racing-set parents.
In the Philly area, if I needed boot fitting done, I'd go to Billy Caplan in the Southampton Pa. area. He's independent and has great boot fitting specific shop. I keep saying this, but the next time I get to Denver, I will visit Harb Ski Systems and finally get my alignment done.