We only have one quilt shop and the man in there was quite rude to me. I had bought an expensive Bernina off him and after he serviced it, it didn't work properly. He said he didn't know what I had done after I took it home... well I had only tried to sew on it to find it not working properly.
I won't go back but now shop on line at another store four hours drive away. The lady there is lovely and I have spent quite a lot there. (more than I really can afford)
I think cheerful, helpful service is the main thing with lots of lovely fabrics, kits and notions.