There were spell vendors in EC before there was Luclin, though they have added a very great deal of spells since.
Back then, it still mattered that there were druid and wizard ports nearby, as well as cities (banks!). And then to imagine travelling to and from ECmart as an Iksar. It used to be quite an adventure on its own.
It's almost like I was playing another game back then. Things have certainly gotten a LOT more convenient since.