Customer Service is HUGE...I will go out of my way to support a company, brand, local shop given they provide customer service. Here's just a few places that come to mind...

The Good:
Valvoline (MN), Change my oil and don't give me any BS...friendly everytime I go there
High Peaks Cyclery (NY) - helped me adjust my bike before my 1st ironman, showed me how to change a tubular fast and didn't treat me like a noob (called them a year later and ordered their shop branded tri apparel)
The Alt Bikes and Boards (MN) - treat me great without knowing I was a previous customer years back...helped me fix my single speed for practically no charge
Local BP (MN) - a mile away from my place, I pass 3 gas stations to get there...the staff is friendly and knows me by name

The Bad:
Orca - zipper clasp pulled off my wetsuit a month before my first Ironman and they wouldn't let me return for a replacement and gave me the run around. Had purchased a bunch of their gear before this and refuse to purchase anything from them ever again.

The In Betweeners:
Gear West (employees) (MN) - hit and miss customer service...when it's good it's really good and when it's bad it's really bad. I still give em' chances though...when it comes down to it they have a tri specific shop and you won't find too many place here in MN.