Originally Posted by
Aubrey'sQuiltingCreations
Also what makes you love a quilt shop? The choice in fabrics? Kits? Classes? Or is it somethine else? I already have a long arm quilting business so I would still offer these services as well.
Any thoughts?
A good quilt shop has friendly owners and employees. They remember you and greet you as a returning customer when you come in.
They have a variety of fabrics arranged in a logical manner. I like to see the each line arranged together, with similar lines grouped together by their major theme (like all the 1930's in one area or the florals together).
If snail mail is sent, it is sent out early enough so that customers have a chance to plan to come to the event (sale, class, etc.). For example, a store near my mom would send out their fliers so close to the event date that I would receive them on a Friday for that Saturday. Problem was, I was usually on the road to my mom's and wouldn't get my Friday mail until Sunday. So anything they mailed me was a major waste of money because I never had a chance to come to the event.
Include pictures for each class description. Include class descriptions and pictures on the website. I find it much easier to find info on the web than to try to get into the store to see what's scheduled and/or have to refer to a flier. Also have class samples WITH class info attached displayed in the store for shoppers to view. Along the line of classes, be willing to take recommendations for future classes. One place I know let's people design a class - the shopper gets a small group of friends together and the owner/employee teaches a class on the subject they picked.
Do not require that students purchase all fabric and/or special class supplies from you. But, give a discount when class supplies are purchased (maybe tied to the time of registration?).
I like the idea of a some sort of loyalty/reward program. One store put your name in a drawing each time you brought your own bag in (saves you $$ on bags) and drew a monthly winner for a small notion or gift card. You could also do the same when someone "kills a bolt".
NO PETS in the store. I've been places that allow the owner's dog to wander around the store and while I love dogs and am more than happy to pet and love on them, I'm also allergic and don't want to bring contaminated fabric into my home. I can wash my clothes as soon as I get home, but I don't want to wash my entire fabric purchase the minute I walk in the door.
Above all, be friendly!
qbquilts