Because I travel on business, I have been to nearly every single store in the state of Missouri that has salt displays. When I say every store, I mean I have spent time in pretty much EVERY store in the state.
As far as ***** is concerned, avoid that place like the plague for livestock purchases. Their livestock is diseased and can cause you far more problems than what its worth. If you're just picking up media replacements, flake food, etc., ***** or other chain places are fine.
As far as Cichlids and Salt (in Springfield close to Bass Pro) is concerned, John is a nice guy with a wide variety of SWF - however I question the health of his fish. The Pet Warehouse store that was mentioned is WAY overpriced and has unhealthy stock that is not fit to sell.
There are 2 places in Springfield that I'd trust - one is called Midwest Exotic Imports and the other is Tropical ???? in Republic. Both of these stores are focused primarily or solely on SWF and have healthy fish and coral to sell.
Other than that, the GOOD LFS in the state (healthy fish, good water clarity, knowledgable employees) are very limited. In the St. Louis area, Clayton Pet Emporium is a great (but expensive) store as well as Beldt's Aquarium. Marine Solutions in St. Charles is okay, but I've seen more than one dead fish in their tanks. In the Kansas City area, Midwest Reefs (Gladstone) is a phenomenal store (with crystal clear water, great prices, and a fantastic owner who is a true hobbyist). Fish World (in Independence) has good stock, and Paradise Aquatics and Aquarium Wholesale on the Kansas side of KC have impressive displays worth the trip to look at. Paradise Aquatics has GINORMOUS display tanks that you can watch for hours, but you have to be fairly careful with stock purchases from them.
Other than that, I think I've been to almost every other one that I can think of and find. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have or point you in the right direction (although I'm constantly learning new things myself).
Welcome to the board and the hobby.