I refuse to shop our local quilt shops just for that exact reason. I've gone to all 4 in and around our area and they completely ignored me and when I did ask for help I was made to feel as if I was bothering them. My husband was with me one time and he said loudly "I'm not giving a penny to any of these snobs, let's go!". Joanns may not have the most helpful people but they have always been pleasant and at least I'm not paying an arm and a leg to be ignored!