As I mentioned in a another post that would be coherent with what most RPGs do. Equipment not available everywhere with big cities having the chance to get the most stuff. So who cares if a scimitar costs like a hammer but deals less damage, playes would still buy it, if it is the only weapon available.

That would also help differentiating the look of heroes who at the moment all end up using the best armors\weapons, making them all look the same and making 90% of equipment useless. Also they would have to plan where they buy their stuff, adding a new strategic element to the game.

I also suggest to make small color changes to specific items, like the magic cloack for example that could be available in different colors.

The same things could also be true for units, specializing certain cities in building specific units depending on equipment availability.