Well it looks like the most common reply is friendly, happy, non-snooty employees. All the LQS here the ladies are not very nice unless you are a regular.
Classes for those of us who work during the week and having them be affordable. Since we will more than likely be buying our material from the shop the class needs to be a reasonable cost.
Most of the LQS classes are during the week, in the afternoon time and the class it self cost $35 on up. This is why I learned to quilt from taking classes at Joann's and continue to go there because everybody is nice. I mostly go to the quilt social classes which are only $10 for 2 hours.
A bargin/sale area with the prices clearly marked. One of the shops here has a small back room that has all of their clearance/end of bolt but none of it is marked. So even though I saw something I wanted I didn't buy it because it was not marked.
I have worked retail most of my working years and if you get it out, mark it clearly and put it up front they will buy it weather they need it or not. Want something gone, mark it down.
Maybe one day a month you could honor other retailers coupons, I know being a small shop you could not do it daily. Or have your own coupons.
Good luck and remember customer service is first, greet "everyone" with a smile.
P.S. If you do open the shop, you do know you will have to come out of hiding so those who are in your area can come. (hahaha)