Originally Posted by nuffsaid
I second the idea of places to put the bolts down so you can look at them. You could always have tables with shelves built under them and over them so that you aren't wasting too much floor space with the tables. I would also like to see a good selection of different kinds of rulers and other notions. Many windows with good natural light. So many quilt shops have poor lighting that it is very difficult to really see the fabrics well. One other idea that I liked was one shop had a special area where all the odds and ends of fabric and cut up leftovers from cutting fabric for quilts were in a huge box--you could take a bag and fill it up with as much stuff as the bag could hold for a standard price. This is great when you need just a little of something for applique or scrappy quilts.
Double ditto; and two additional comments: 1) It's impossible to carry everything all customers would want, so the willingness to order is very important to me. Take down my number and call me when it arrives; and 2) if you have other LCS in your area, carry different fabric than they do. I shop where I can get the fabric I want for the next project.
As an additional comment on an area to place bolts while looking for other fabric and supplies, have laminated cards on the table for customers to put on top of their selection that say "bolt waiting to be cut" in some cute way that reflects your shop.
Good luck,
cd