Do your homework, find out how much you can pay for the same axe on the internet (outlets like musiciansfriend or wwbw offer free shipping on most items, you will avoid state taxes as well), then you can negotiate the price at the store. Just ask them if they would be willing to match musicians' friend price. Most of them do.
Another thought, there are US and Mexican Fenders, but there are US Gibsons and Korean and Japanese Epiphones.
Also, guitars can be customized -- you can put different strings, pick-ups on them.
Hope this all helps!
