Friendly, competent staff who at least say "hi" when people walk in the store. I was almost finished with a tablerunner but needed binding. Took it to my LQS and showed it to the gal working there. She asked why I was even going to bother finishing the project. What a b*&^h! I try not to shop there althought they are 10 minutes from where I live.
Regular hours. Carry more brands than just Coats and Clark (better yet, don't even carry that)and carry lots of colors not just the basics or the neutrals.