1. Great fabric choices
2. Email connection with at least once a month contact- if she is not a great writer- find someone who can do it- pictures are also important
3. Every once in awhile, get precuts (strips, charms, etc.) - lots of them and run a sale (ex. buy 3 strip rolls & get to select one of the free patterns offered)
4. Lots of samples made up- some easy & quick too
5. Friendly staff - friendly is even better than knowledgeable- I will be back if you treat me right.
6. Classes - variety of them -
7. Charity projects done in store - once a month
8. Open sew sessions- Monday, Tuesday work well - charge a $3-5 fee- have coffee, water and a few nibbles
9. Scrap bags for sale- every quilt shop has scraps- one of our LQS has a batik bag sale- stuff a zip gallon bag for $10- must be able to zip. You could also change it up to be a "COLOR bag of scraps" or Novelty Scraps or Asian.
10. Snap sacks for sale- have samples done
11. Checking out your competition is most important. Not to undercut them but find out what your "customers" are seeing that they like at your competitor's place.
12. Clean, uncluttered displays
13. Lots of FQs at a good price- have a special quarterly- pun intended-
14. Get large tote bags imprinted with your shop's name and give if customer spends $XXX (typically >$100). When we go to retreats, guess which bag gets packed. Advertising like this works.
15. Clean out your inventory on a regular basis- one LQS has a BOGO sale a couple of times a year- Pink tagged fabrics during October for Breast Cancer Awareness - another BOGO sale is owner choice (all with a yellow tag),
when in doubt- weed it out
16. Take down your old samples- sell, raffle or donate - maybe all three
17. FQ bundles, 5 (1yd) bundles with free patterns (get pretty ribbon to tie) - pretty things sell
18. Teach a scrappers class - They will have scraps or can trade with other attendees- while in your shop during that class they most likely will buy something.
19. I don't get things like interfacing, batting, notions at LQS unless I just can't get it at JoAnn's with coupon. Carry a ruler that your box store doesn't carry like Creative Grids- do a free demo on how to use a new ruler or gadget- schedule 3-4 sessions over a weekend. Give 20% discount if they spend $50 or more. Get them in, show them how you can benefit them and thank them for buying something.
Good luck to your friend!