Interesting article re: Chain stores vs LQS
 

Interesting synopsis here of an article published in a trade magazine. Food for thought.

http://blog.londasfiles.com/?p=1131

Very interesting indeed! I'd rather shop at my LQS any day...I've about had it with the lousy service of most chain stores. When I go to one of my LQSs I feel like they are interested in what I'm doing and make an effort to help me find what I want. Customer service...who knew?

I've had the opposite experience. At my local Joann's, the employees are really nice to me and give great service while at the LQS nearest to me, they won't even lower themselves to speak to me.

different places have different customer service- regardless of whether its a big store- or a little one-there are good and bad in both=
if you are lucky enough to have a good big store- good for you- that is wonderful- though not the case everywhere-
but then again- some lqs are wonderful- my favorite one treats my hubby like he's the most valued customer to come through the door when he does---but we used to have a different one-that was not like that at all- in fact our first year together he visited the (not so nice one) to buy me stocking stuffers---he was treated so poorly right through the door that he left without spending a dime- he went to the other one and spent over $200===the first one could have had that sale had she been receptive to a man coming through the door-
the second shop the ladies took him right under their wing- showed him gadgets- things they thought i needed- ect- he enjoyed the experience and has no problem stopping in when he wants to surprise me- the first shop=he won't even pull into the parking lot---
everywhere is different- big or small

That was a very interesting article which I plan to pass on to some of my quilting buddies that don't belong to this great site... My main concern is that fabric quality not be compromised - the price of cotton is going up and we will see this in the price of a yard of fabric over the next year...if not already for some quilters. I have found in my area that Joann's fabric is not as well made as the fabric in my LQS. I get much better help at my LQS in picking out fabric, having discussions about tone and hue, etc...plus they have classes at my LQS. I go with my LQS over Joann's fabric anyday. Alas not everyone has this choice so I am happy that Walmart, Joann's etc are providing fabric for people who do not have a LQS. Hopefully they will provide good quality cottons.

I have a couple LQS that I shop at on a regular basis and a Joann's Both quilt shops I have taken classes at. At all three places they know me by name. I have no problems with any of them and they all carry diffrent yardage. One LQS and the Joann's are a 2 hr drive one way so when I go I usually have a very log list to both shops. Maybe thats why they know me! LOL I have told all 3 that I'm not buying fabric untill my stash is used down and is more managable, they all laughed at me! They know me well! Wall -Mart has some fabric but I havent found anything like my LQS or Joann's. The people working there are friendly and very helpful too.

Thanks. That was an interesting article.

Our local quilt shop that was seven miles from me closed last year due to the owners having a disagreement. I really miss it. The next nearest quilt shop is AWFUL. They don't even acknowledge when you walk in the door and if it happens to be near lunch hour when you go in be prepared for disguist from the workers when you interrupt their lunch.

I hate going there! Guess I'll just have to save up and go to Mary Jo's a few extra times a year! There service is great and the selection OH MY!

I have found more rude service at the LQS's in my area than at any of the chain stores. I have been to one LQS, 50 miles away, that actually spoke to me before I got to the cutting table. That store is fabulous, but in a town I rarely go to. I frequent 4 different JA's, depending on which town I'm in. All of them have great service. There is one Wal-Mart that has fabric. Some of it is nice, but service varies. Sometimes you can get help, sometimes not. It has been a lot better since I complained a couple months ago. I'm not tolerant of rude service. Too many LQS's have been out right rude to me. I might go back one more time, to see if it was a freak, but it has always happened again. I see no reason to "support my LQS" if they cant compete on ANY level with JA.

The economy has forced me to use what I have. I used to pop into Walmart and buy things on impulse becuase I was there. Now that I have gotten out of that habit I save a lot of money buying junk. The few Walmarts that now have fabric are impossible to find someone to cut the fabric. And when I go to the LQS to buy something they are very cold to me now that I don't spend as much money there. I will say that the Joann's I go to has really cleaned up their act. I am greeted by each employee as I pass them in the store. I am waited on MUCH quicker at the cutting table and when I check out. Its a pleasant experience to go to Joann's.