I look for a few things in a quilt store. 1-The general atmosphere that everyone likes to be there. That includes how the owners and their employees interact and how they interact with all the customers. 2- a range of styles in fabrics. Unfortunately smaller LQSs have to almost have a focus or point of view (reproduction, batiks, Thimbleberries, etc.) because they can't realistically carry everything, but there should be a good representative sampling of other styles for those of us who may need a yard or two of something to finish a project. I ran into this when I was doing a row by row and one participant wanted 30's fabrics, which is totally absent in my stash. I went to all the LQSs in a 40 mi radius and none was to be found. I had to chance the colors and order online. I can't blame the LQSs. In fact at two of them I could cheerfully purchase 75% of what they have on display. 3- Along with many other posters here, I hunt for bargains. It's part thrifty and part thrill of the chase, but I'm more likely to stop by chops for a quick peek if I know that they often have end of bolt sales or more than a timid handful of 4 yr old fabric on deep discount. 4- and lastly, I like a shop that carries decent essential good quality thread, tools & hand needles that you will not find at a JoAnns or Walmart.
Diana