Called a needlework shop day before yesterday and left message if she had any counted cross stitch merchandise or knew of a counted cross stitch shop in the Little River, Conway area of S.C. Left my cell phone number and she was nice enough to call me back to inform me that her store did not and she knew of no cross stitch stores in the immediate areas I spoke of. Stated a lot of stitchers in South Carolina are doing either needlepoint, quilting, crocheting or knitting. She said that last counted cross stitching store she was aware of had "closed about 10 years ago."
I DID find cross stitching stores in South Carolina but they are 3-4 hours away.
So, this just reinforced my decision to buy what I need online ie. charts, fabrics, specialty floss (if desired) and start framing my own. I reminded DH we are going to start next week.
On a better note, we found a framing outlet place (per internet searching), not far from us that sells frames and framing materials for DIY customers, will frame it for you (but I'm not going there, I already saw their prices) including acid-free mounting board. DH and I are going to check the store out this Monday and I'll ask if they sell "spacers" and if they carry a good selection of mats.

Tara C. of You-Tube tutorial fame also had a stapler gun that staples out the front end and used for attaching the U-shaped staples to the frames to keep everything from falling out of the frame. Does anyone have experience with using one and where did you find it?