Like Onebyone above, a lot depends on the associates in the store. I worked the fabric department in our small town for 3 1/2 years. Our Department Manager was fabulous and we were busy!!! I am a quilter and always was busy cutting fabric for the locals. We didn't have an LQS close by and the material we carried is material I used in quilts 8 years ago. After many washings, they are still in great shape. I still work for WalMart at age 72 and we have not had a fabric department for the last 5 years. Our store manager at that time didn't know a thing about sewing and decided they could make more money with a"party" department. I would love to send a link to this thread to corporate. The same complaint I have heard about all departments is no associates to help people. They also say there are never enough cashiers.
Now, in WalMart's defense, this is my feelings about the complaint. More associates result in more operating costs and higher prices of the merchandise being sold. Also I feel WalMart is a great source for the middle and lower income quilters to be able to continue with their beloved hobby. I myself cannot afford to shop at the LQS because the prices are out of my budget. This has all been said IMHO