At the risk of repeating what others have said - friendly, helpful salespeople make all the difference! If I am greeted and made to feel welcome, I return often. If not, I rarely make a second visit.
A wonderful shop in Franklin, NC has free, weekly half hour mini-lessons from 12:15-12:45. The "class" might be a demo of some technique, a quick quilt pattern idea, suggestions as to how to use charm packs, etc. One day they previewed new items in the shop and how to use them. The timing allows quilters to get together for lunch following the lesson - a restaurant in the center has even started offering "quilter's specials" on that day. The classes I have been able to attend, have had anywhere from 25 - 50 people there and many of the quilters have lined up following the class to purchase the materials to make whatever was previewed. It is a fabulous way to get customers into the shop!