Ditto the recomm. - visit some flourishing quilt shops around and see what they do RIGHT ... vs others that DON'T ... Check out shop newsletters, classes & events for ideas
I worked (& taught) at 2 LQS ... I feel the most important things are:
Outgoing & KNOWLEDGEABLE employees
VARIETY of fabrics, books, patterns counts more than Volume
A few basic classes - don't try too much at the start
DRAW customers in with BOM, Buck A Block, events, small kits for beginners, demos
Juvenile & baby fabrics & quilt kits ... I've been to many shops that have none, what a market they are missing !
Lots of SHOP SAMPLES - VITAL - customers need to SEE & be INSPIRED
DISPLAYS - Nothing's worse than a bare, dull quilt shop.
Good LIGHTING & easy music - I don't like to shop in a SILENT shop
Good Luck !! :)