My husband goes into 3 of our LQS to buy gift certificates or goodies for me on occasion. They all know who me and therefore know him as well. So when they see him coming they know exactly the kinds of fabric, etc I like and are more than happy to show off the new stuff because he always buys.
Each of my 3 sons, 30, 28 & 24, all have basic sewing machines that I've picked up at garage sales but it's my middle son who is quite handy with a machine and he doesn't hesitate to hit Joanne's or the LQS and has always been happy with his experiences there.