Exactly. Or you scan the code on the shelf with Kaffe Fassett fabrics and enter that fabric/designer as your favorite in your profile -- then the store sends you a notice when a new shipment arrives. You earn loyalty points with purchases, and at some level you get to shop the new arrivals a day early, say.
I would also LOVE to be able to track purchases in terms of keeping track of the cost of materials used in a quilt -- not because I sell my quilts (though it would be helpful to those who do) but to insure my stash, to have accurate figures for my donations for tax purposes, etc. Or say you are doing a group project and several people are purchasing fabrics and supplies but you want to share the expenses evenly -- it would be so convenient to have that in an online profile.
Hardware stores are already doing some of these things-- and it's very helpful when you're doing a big project to track your purchases, have a wishlist, have a list of staples you frequently purchase.