At the camera shop that I bought my SanDisk CF cards, they said if I ever have a problem with the card I just need to bring it back to them, and they will replace it with stock at the store. I have never had a problem to prove out if it actually works that way - but any other issues I have had with cameras and lenses they always took care of get things repaired (including packaging shipping, and if I wanted they would ship to my house to save me the 150 mile round trip to town). Even repairs seem to be less expensive if I let them take care of it. For me, buying from the big box stores isn't really any cheaper (camera shop will match), and if you do buy from the big box store, their responsibility as a retailer seems to end when you step out the door... a little exaggerated, but not much.

Sorry - now I am just on a bit of a rant.