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seamstome 01-27-2013 04:28 PM

If you owned a quilt store
 
I am posting this because of another thread on LQS closing. I am not looking for answers like I would have nicer help or be friendlier. I am looking for profit making ideas that YOU like about your LQS, that you want to have at your LQS or things you would do.

My BFF works in a store and we go on annual trips covering 15-30 different shops a year and I think I have seen everything from a shop in someone's garage to Lolly's in Shipshewanna and Hancock's to a warehouse shop. There are reasons that some of these shops are very successful.

We always talk about our ideal store. For me, merchandising is a biggie. I want to see samples, have everything all together to make the project in a eye-catching display, good lighting, interesting decor.

Also I want a store that is responsive. For example, I like this one type of marking pencil. I order it on line because nobody around here carries it. I took it to a newer LQS owner and told her the reasons that I think my marking pencil is superior to what she carries and asked her to carry it. Bet it will be on her shelves soon or she will tell me why not.

Classes and I have them on NEW things as well as the basics. This is a great profit maker plus it keeps the customer involved in your store. If I owned a store, I would have alot of classes and speakers.

I would have a LA and that machine would be humming 24/7---okay at least 8 hours a day 6-7 days a week. Good side money plus people like to see activity.

I would sell machines. I dont think you can make it strictly on fabric any more.

I would HONOR Joann fabrics coupons for my loyal customers once a month. Let JA do my advertising. And I would carry all the basics to make a project, even if batting or thread had to be a loss leader or at dead cost. If I have to go to JA's to pick cheap batting, I am more likely to buy other things there.

I would have competitive hours. None of this 10-3 stuff. If you are going to have a business, you need to have it be open. That's just a personal pet peeve of mine. Again, if I have to run to JA's because the LQS is not open at 6pm, the revenue goes to JA's.

I would have a nice website. It is amazing when we are traveling, how many shops dont have one.

I think to make any money you would have to do shows.

Finally, I would move the fabric. I dont like it when I walk in and find the same fabric from a year ago.

So this is my list, I am looking forward to your ideas.

wolph33 01-27-2013 04:40 PM

you have a lot of great ideas.I agree sell fabric,machines and have classes.And have lots of sample quilts of the patterns and fabric being sold.lots of current books too.Are thinking about actually opening a store?

wc00007 01-27-2013 05:03 PM

I would visit your store often.

117becca 01-27-2013 05:06 PM

As a handquilter, I want YLI thread - even if it's just the natural color - it works for 99% of what I quilt.

starshine 01-27-2013 05:12 PM

The lqs near me does have a number of your suggestions, 2 nights a week they stay open till 8 pm, and some of their classes are offered on those nights, which means those of us working girls could possibly take a class after work. Some are also offered on Sat. but if your working there is a lot of competition for Sat. time, and they generally keep the Sat. classes to one day, sometimes all day.

They do have a website and a newsletter. Most if not all months there is some promotion in the newsletter. This month it was if you spent $20.13 you would get 2 free fat eights of your choice from the f8 bins.
They also do one day a month on Sun. when the store is closed you come in and work on whatever your own project you want. There is a fee but they provide pizza and if you do need anything supply wise if they have it in the shop you can buy it while you are there.

mic-pa 01-27-2013 05:12 PM

Sewing machines are definitely the money maker in a quilt shop. Cost of fabric plus shipping costs etc. are prohibitive. You have some great ideas, however its a tremedous job to undertake having your own quilt shop. been there done that. Retired

trennag 01-27-2013 05:14 PM

I love the my LQS has tons of classes. The ladies are always so helpful and they have beautiful fabrics and notions. The owner is their often and very nice. They send out weekly emails\ news letters with all the latest info. they also do amazing coupon draws during sales or holidays. Keeps me coming back! Oh they also do a monthly Strip Club and i always look forward to see the New pattern they release.

starshine 01-27-2013 05:15 PM

What is YLI thread and what about it makes it desirable for handquilting?

Pollytink 01-27-2013 05:18 PM

Sounds like heaven to me! Now......please tell me what marking pencil you like? I'm having fits and wasting a lot of money trying to find one I like!

lots2do 01-27-2013 05:24 PM

Attractive samples do sell and I appreciate responsiveness as well. I called one shop and asked if they carried a pattern and the woman said no, sorry. The next one said, no,but I'll order it for you right away.

Patti25314 01-27-2013 05:29 PM

I work PT in a LQS. One thing that the owner does is to have classes taught/lead by local quilters. This means that several of our customers are always on the look out for what is new to bring in as a class. The classes, in addition to teaching new methods/ideas, allow for friendships to develop and grow. BTW, I think your ideas for a shop sound great. If the owner of your LQS takes your idea about the pen/marker, you might want to keep feeding her ideas. Be careful - you might end up working there.

Gramie bj 01-27-2013 05:43 PM

I help support, LOL, a quilt store that has a demo. day once a month, showcasing new tools, fabric, handy hints, new patterns. You can attend in the morning at 10 or about 1 in the afternoon. They always have a pot of coffee, or tea water on hand with home made cookies, printed recpies for cookies are there too.

mucky 01-27-2013 05:43 PM

I would carry fabric I didn't like so I would have a variety of fabrics. So many owners don't carry a variety of styles. I would also sell lots,of,kits.

hopetoquilt 01-27-2013 05:51 PM

Would love it if I could rent an embroidery machine to make quilt labels like people rent LA machines. I don't know if that is feasible. Also, parking stinks at my LQS. Ample parking would be nice. I love the specialty feet for the babylock machines available at my DSILs LQS.

amandasgramma 01-27-2013 06:09 PM

The LQS I worked in does have a lot of what you say. I agree with you 100% on the later hours!!!! Before retirement I HATED when shops closed before I got off work! And no, I don't want to go back out on Saturday to get what I want....I want to SEW!!!!
Having lots of classes, being willing to have a class for even ONE customer spreads the word!!! Greeting people nicely when they walk in the door is important. But having the right notions is important!!!! Read all the quilt magazines when they come out -- look for "new" items. If I see them in the magazine, I want that product.....and hate it when I can't get it!!!

The biggest compliment our shop gets is that we have tons of samples...of everything! And the pattern, fabric and possibly classes for those samples!!! And change those samples even if you just move them around --- what I didn't see a week ago, I just may see today because you moved it and then I'll BUY!

Constantly bringing in new fabric --- yeah, important.

twoxover 01-27-2013 06:19 PM

lots of samples...that change! nto the same thing from six months ago <g>. if you are going to carry machines...be able to troubleshoot AND repair/maintain that brand! offer better hours suited to working folk...including classes. and while i like project classes, i'd also like one or two hours class on a technique...binding for example.

Teeler 01-27-2013 06:23 PM

If I owned a quilt store...
Didle deedle didle digga digga deedle didle dum...

Sorry...the title of your thread put that song in my head.

As to your question, as a newbie I've seen a couple of things that I know I wouldn't do as a shop owner:
  • Hang an arbitrary quilt on/near fabric bolts. Where is the FABRIC for that lovely quilt? Where is the PATTERN for it?
  • Website that the shop offers classes, but leaves it up to the customer to decide what he/she wants (ie: there are no 'set' classes, but merely something that essentially says: "call us and tell us what you want for a class") I don't KNOW what I don't KNOW...how can I possibly tell you what I want/need in a class if I have no clue about the hobby?!

nanac 01-27-2013 06:26 PM

I would like everything about your store specially the staying open later. I work full time do can't get to my sewing until my LQS closes so if I really need something to complete my project it has to wait until I have a day off. I also like notions and tools that actually work like their hype says they do.

barny 01-27-2013 06:35 PM

Teeler, you're funny. But I know the tune you are singing to. LOL Fiddler on the Roof?

Peckish 01-27-2013 06:39 PM


Originally Posted by barny (Post 5818983)
Teeler, you're funny. But I know the tune you are singing to. LOL

Is it "if I were a rich man" from Fiddler On The Roof?

quiltyfeelings 01-27-2013 06:46 PM

The quilt shop right up the road from me welcomes quilters to come in, bring their machine and work for awhile. There is a round table set up with chairs and when I stop in there almost always there is someone or a few sitting there just laughing up a storm. I always like to see what others are working on. I think the ladies that are home all day alone really appreciate having a place to hang out every once in awhile. The owner says no one ever stays more than about 2-3 hours and no one has ever come more than a couple times per month. The last Friday of the month, she is open until midnight and has a "sew in." You can reserve a spot at one of her many tables in the classroom and get a box dinner for $5!

sjscribe 01-27-2013 07:07 PM

I travel for work and have had the luxury of visiting quilt stores in a few different states and like some more than others because of something they offer or do differently than others. For example:
A large room for spouses that includes a large tv, pool table, and large comfy chairs. That same store has dedicated space for children with toys and chairs.
The pattern, fabric, and supplies used in every displayed example, which would be rotated often. I've seen samples I wanted to make but the shop didn't have the supplies.
An electronic newsletter auto sent every month.
Easy, medium, and advanced samples.
A large table that could be rented to layer a quilt. Many people don't have a comfortable space to do this in their home. By providing the option to rent the table, customers could feel a sense of ease if some or all of the fabric in their project wasn't purchased from the shop.
Involve customers with selecting the type of fabrics sold.
Open during the evening at least twice a week.
A color wheel for use by customers.
A sign stating fat quarters can be cut.
A monthly sale or special.
Classes, talks, how-to's, demos, etc
A regularly maintained website, believe it or not I know of a store that doesn't have a website.
A brag page on the website with photos of customers.
Charm packs
Fat quarters displayed with the bolt
Muslin
A large selection of backing fabric

Finally, I'd keep "trendy" items to a minimum.

TanyaL 01-27-2013 07:25 PM

A display showing how the skills learned in a class on a particular block or quilt can be applied to other blocks - particularly good for beginners wanting to know why they should learn how to make a block they don't plan on using.

A prominent section of fabric that is reduced in price.

seamstome 01-27-2013 07:39 PM

Great ideas. No I don't want to own a store. I just think that we talk about the stores going out and I know there are people who own or work in stores and if we say what we like and have seen be successful it might help save a shop. I want to help the new lady in town so I do give her ideas and even made a sample for her in trade. I like the sewline trio marker...three in one so you can change from pencil (or pink) to chalk on the fly. Kind of like those pens with all colors you could click when we were kids

mamagrande 01-28-2013 12:38 AM

The ideas mentioned here are all great..but if I owned a store I would have to have a big staff to do all of the things mentioned...I managed a store on a half time salary and 2 part-time associates, but I worked the other half at home placing orders online, bookwork and samples. In order to do shows I had to get family to help, (for free-just dinner). I do remember that the best compliment to our store was the friendly service that we gave.

like the time a man came in at 3pm and said how much would it cost to hem his pants, he was a basketball coach and needed them for a gave at 5pm. One of the girls sat right down and hemed them, he came back and we said "no charge". He couldn't believe it, gave us $20. went away very happy. We would attach badges to local firemen recuits as a way of giving back to the community.

---YLI is a handquilting thread that has a light wax on it that prevents it from tangling and it is very strong. It is a brand that has other sewing thread also.

rush88888 01-28-2013 02:46 AM

a friendly and knowledgable staff that can take the time necessary to help a customer... but not to he point of hovering.

schoolteacher 01-28-2013 04:10 AM

All great ideas. Another would be......no matter the amount of money spent....a customer would be treated with the same respect, courtesy, and be friendly as one that spent a lot of money. I refuse to go to a local shop 15 minutes away because of the service I have had for a small dollar amount. Another that was going to buy yards of fabric was practically given the red carpet treatment. I'll spend the extra money and gas and go to the shops in the city that are 2 hours away. Customer Service should be a plus.

time2quilt 01-28-2013 04:37 AM

I especially like your idea of "moving" the fabric so you don't see the same thing over and over. As per a website...only have a nice website if it is kept up to date. I visit so many sites that aren't kept updated and I'd almost rather they didn't have a site than have one that is not current. Good list.

coopah 01-28-2013 04:46 AM

Seamstome, your ideas are all good. It does take a lot of energy and backup help to keep a shop going. One of the biggest profit probably comes from machine sales. You'll also need to find a space to rent that doesn't use up all of your profits. I was at one rural shop last summer where evening classes were offered, plus there was a bring your project night once in awhile and the shop served lemonade and/or wine. Not sure I'd do well with the wine! LOL!

Amythyst02 01-28-2013 05:09 AM

Some great ideas. Here are mine.

I would like to see quilts displayed on the walls, lots of them : )

I think that anyone selling machines should be able to answer questions about all the machines. Makes me nervous when they say well I don't know. The lady I bought my machine from was like that. Although I really liked her, and she was really great in the CS dept she lacked the knowledge I was looking for on my machine. The sales rep should know the difference between machines as well. I realize all of this would be difficult, but sales reps should not just have knowledge about the machines they cater to, but all that they carry. They seem to favor brands.

Daylesewblessed 01-28-2013 05:19 AM

The ideas mentioned are creative, and vitality is essential for a quilt shop to succeed. However, I do think that a key ingredient to success is treating the business as a business. It is not enough to be passionate about quilting. A business is a financial undertaking with profitability as a goal. It requires ample financial backing and commitment.

sparkys_mom 01-28-2013 05:21 AM

You have wonderful ideas. I suspect there would be a very heavy investment required to follow through on all of that. One store that springs to mind is Missouri Star Quilt Company.

calicojoan 01-28-2013 05:36 AM

I think you are on track for a great shop. I fell in love with a place in Alaska years ago, but soon found out that they samples never changed in 3 years. They lost my interest, and ended up out of business. I am sure it was not due to me alone! :D

ksdot417 01-28-2013 05:37 AM

I love it when there are little nooks and crannies in the store. I always imagine that I've found something that no one else had found. I'd shop in your store too!

homebody323 01-28-2013 05:58 AM

My dream shop was a 2 story log cabin with fireplace on the lower level and comfy chairs to sit and quilt in. Upstairs was open above the fireplace and the rest was classroom and bedrooms for retreats. Then I woke up and realized that to fulfill all your and my dreams there was a mountain of money, a ton of talented people each doing piecing, web sites, teaching, manning the cutting tables and a endless supply of energy on my part to keep it all going. Mom always said that the one thing that was free was dreaming. She was right!

ArtsyOne 01-28-2013 05:59 AM

A quilt shop in my area recently closed. I would have shopped there more often, except that it seemed really cliquey, with the owner having her baby in the shop and visiting with her friends all day making me feel like an intruder whenever I walked in. What also bugged me was that she would have these lovely quilts hanging on the wall and when I asked her to show me where those particular fabrics were, she would say that the fabrics had been discontinued.

Bneighbor 01-28-2013 06:00 AM

We used to have a cute little shop here in town (closed due to family illness) that had "sewing night". Shop was closed to the public, but open for those who signed up. Shop opened at 8:00 pm and we sewed until 2 or 3 in the morning. You signed up to bring your unfinished projects, new projects, etc. Coffee, tea, juice, popcorn were provided and everyone brought a coverd dish to share (Decided from a sign up sheet). Everyone wore their Pj's and sewed, laughed, ate and finished their projects. The store was open for us to purchase notions and fabrics we might need for that night. Once a month the group would gather. The one time I was able to go there were 6 of us. What a blast!
I vote for this as an addition to "our" store.

quiltstringz 01-28-2013 06:18 AM

Sounds great but I am not sure you could make it doing all you are asking for. Samples come out of profit, in addition to the fabric do you have someone who is willing to sew for minimum wage? Do you have someone with the time to do it right now while the fabric is still there?

As for classes, I am not sure how other stores do it but in my area the teacher is paid by the student - in addition to that they pay for the supplies (yes there is a discount on those) and labor for the class sample. If you had put in $50 - $60 for your class sample and were getting paid $6/per student per hr would you be willing to give up 4-5 hrs (travel time included) plus $3 - $6 dollars in gas for the $18 (3 hr class) you would make if you only had 1 student.

Would you be willing to make $0 profit to move fabric out of your store so that you could buy newer fabric (and where is that money coming from) that may or may not sell.

Personally as long as the staff are friendly and helpful in my LQS I am shopping there. They may not always have what I want fabric wise, but if they do I will normally (unless I get a smoking deal) buy there. Pattern and notion wise, the stores have minimums that they have to purchase. If I have to buy 6 of a costly item that I know that only 1 person will purchase is that a good use of my funds.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have all of the things you mentioned but I honestly don't think that we have the big picture on how hard it is to make it as a LQS.

KathyE 01-28-2013 06:41 AM

The one problem that our (former) quilt shop had was, she would have a sample hanging in the store but would not have the pattern or else she would not have the fabric that was used for it. Very frustrating but I do understand that they can't have everything all the time.

gramarraine 01-28-2013 06:52 AM

You have some very good ideas and as a former quilt shop owner I can see how most of them would be very helpful. I know one problem with our shop was not enough samples and the same ones were left there for too long. Also, we didn't make kits of our samples. That would have been a big help. Classes, classes and more classes are always a big help in keeping the shop going. Sometimes teachers are hard to find and it is hard to know what people are wanting to learn.


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