I live in a rural mountainous area just 6 miles outside of town to the nearest Quilt Shop. Our quilt shop is really a success story, in that it's only been in operation for one year now, and in this economy, is still thriving. What do I think makes it a success?
The owner and her employees greet you right away, not just because they know me, they treat strangers that way, too. :) They make you feel glad you're there, always ready to help with whatever you need, but never breathing down your back. They're even nice to kids! :thumbup: They have a small buggy there for toddlers to push around while Mom shops to help keep the little ones entertained.
You can count on these gals being genuinely concerned about you, whether you're needing "fabric therapy" as the Store Manager calls it, lol, or a shoulder to lean on. They are experienced in sewing and quilting and make a point to keep up on new fabrics, notions, books, etc. Some will make it to Quilt Market each year bringing back with them fresh new ideas and techniques that will translate into new fabric purchases, displays and classes, while continuing to offer many of the staple items that us quilters have come to depend on.
This quilt shop reaches out to the community in a variety of ways, often donating their time, treasures and talents to locals in need. An impromptu sew-fest was called to order one day when a local family lost their home to a fire. New cuddly and warm quilts were made for each family member when several customers gathered at the quilt shop to sew for this devastated family. They also support breast and ovarian cancer folks by having locals make blocks to be made into quilts.
We are fortunate to have a plethora of talented women in the community (including store employees) who avail themselves to teaching and sharing their knowledge in a vast array of classes. Classes are reasonably priced, held in the comfort of a nice classroom where laughter and stories are just a part of the ambiance.
This quilt shop also provides BOM and other classes as well as UFO nite and other fun opportunities to get together, be productive and have a good time doing so.
There is even a "husbands corner", complete with a comfortable place to sit, where the guys can look at manly magazines (sports, etc.) and chat with whomever they wish. Since many folks live miles away, it isn't uncommon for both spouses to come into town together.
Our shop is well known due much to word of mouth sharing, but they also advertise in the Country Register and do send out newsletters to those who sign up for them.
I too, have been asked to hang a quilty project in the shop. It is great advertisement, as many of us quilters are visual in nature. I get the biggest bang out of hearing that because my piece hung there, most of the bolt of the panel fabric has been sold. The more they sell, the more they can bring in!! :wink:
Who am I talking about? Our shop is "Nuts & Bolts Needleworks" located in Woodland Park, CO., just about 1/2 hour drive from Colorado Springs. They also sell knitting and embroidery supplies, and have a great selection of batiks and flannels as well as cottons.
Congratulations Marcia, Marybeth, Linda, Sandy and Paulette!! Looking forward to many prosperous years ahead! Keep doing what you're doing, because it's working!! :D
Happy quilting,
Karla in CO