A new quilt shop opened in my town. I get so stressed when I go in there because it's such a mess. I became friendly with the owner and went over on my lunch hour one day and straightened up. It didn't last long. I really would like to see her shop become successful, but if other people feel like I do, I don't see it lasting. She also has fabrics that are 15-20 yrs old. The cardboard bolts they're on are all bent over and torn.

I look for order and cleanliness.

I like it to smell good. I like soft music. SOFT music.

I don't want someone following me around.

I want like things grouped together

I want new fabric


What do you want in a good quilt shop

Friendliness, good selection and good prices.

I want to be able to browse at my leisure without having a 'tail'. I want everything in order by theme, color, weight. I want prices to be fair. I want to be able to enjoy the feel of crisp new fabrics. Not asking too much, am I? If your LQS is in such a state, I doubt I'd go back there. I mean, you spent your own time helping out by straightening up! Does she not see the problem? And why, in Heaven's name, would she feature ancient fabrics on decrepit boards? Sounds to me like it should be called a 'thrift shop' instead.....shameful that she is letting her shop fall into such a sad state.

Since we have our own online quilt shop, we don't do a lot of buying at other places, but we do visit a lot of LQS's just to see what they're doing and visit with the owners.

Things that make us feel good when we visit are:

Nice and clean and well-organized.
No bad smells - no tobacco smoke leaking out of the office.
Good selection of fabrics tastefully displayed.
Quilts displayed.
Homey atmosphere.
Nice classroom area.
In larger stores - long-arms and sewing machines to try out.

and most of all --- Friendly, helpful, but not overbearing service!

Cleanliness! (I'm a bit OCD)
Next is order - I don't mind a cheerful mix but things have to be displayed in a way that I can get to them and see them.
I hate being followed around! I've had a LQS that did that until I explained how it disturbed me. Eventually they got the idea and stopped doing that to patrons.
New fabric is nice, so is old. I like a mix. I suppose I can get newer fabrics off line??
I also love to see finished items that will inspire me or give me ideas.
Sounds like the new store has the ingredients to succeed - hope they figure it out before they "turn off" too many people.

I like a Friendly Staff.. That is my #1 thing...
-cleanliness
-fabrics grouped together

oh.. and a Large sale section... LOL but this is rare I think in most cases.

You know.. I often wondered where are the ladies are from wondering around the 2 shops I frequent most.. From what I can gather they all work there. They have a ton of fabric but the shops are small and stuffed full.. But they are extremly clean and very organized..
I very rarely ever see anyone in ther buying anything.. but they must because the inventory is HUGE and new fabric collections. Maybe it is the time of day I am there. I know they are not ladies from classes because the class room is out in the open and they are never there with machines. I just think they must have huge overheads if they are paying all those people.. It is like 6 or 7 women when I am there. You know. Maybe they have a huge online business.. I do know they both sell online.
Anyway. I was thinking outloud..

Ditto to all of the above. However start up expenses are slow to come in. Maybe she could put the older fabric on e-bay for people looking for older fabrics. Or she could have customers she is familiar with (like you?) make up 1-2 fast quilts to display what the fabrics could look like & she would give you the fabric and let you take the quilt home after a few months of display? I hope she makes it & you are a good person to help a new business!

i agree with all of these

By the time I get there, I look for the bathroom. lol but true.

I like it to be merchandized properly, well stocked, well lit and organized. I cant stand it when they are cluttered. I want to SEE what I can make with this fabric so I love samples.