How many pet stores in your area have 50 or more full time employees? I've never seen a LFS that did enough volume to justify that many employees.
In Louisiana my aquarium related purchases were almost exclusively online since the late 90s. Sales tax wouldn't have changed that since I saved 50-75% off local retail and could choose from a much larger selection online. Mail order livestock and plants were usually much higher quality as well. Luckily we have
a better LFS here that I'd be inclined to support, but mail order and local clubs would still be my preference for most purchases.