It’s so tough when a local shop closes, that feeling of being able to handle a deck before you commit is something special. I’m sorry you’re missing that connection.
I really like getting them through Kickstarter if I’m just looking for a random deck. There’s nothing like backing a project from the start and getting a first edition. You have to be patient because it can take a year or more to get the deck, but you’re directly helping an artist make their vision real. Plus, you get a deck that might be impossible to find later.
If there’s a specific deck I want, then I’ll find their store or go through Amazon - it’s usually them selling there anyway.
If there’s no Kickstarter I like and there’s no specific deck I have my eye on, then I look for threads like this and wait for you guys to give me deck FOMO.