Shops close for a lot of reasons. Retirement, burnout, increased costs to run the business, costs of labor, long hours, internet sales affect their business, etc. It is expensive for new buyers to afford purchasing established shops. People don't realize the work and $$ investment it takes to buy and run a success RETAIL business...which is what a quilt shop is. A retail business.
Sandy

And if you can't afford help, a large investment in time leaving little time for a life. And economy is still so bad in many places with so many out of work they can't afford to shop for anything that is not necessary.

It is sad to see so many empty stores. However, we of little income have to shop for bargains; not many of them at the local shops. When I can buy it at the LOS for more tham $11.00 per yard as opposed to $6.00 to $7.00 per yard on line ( including the cost of shipping) for the same fabric, I will order it. Wish I could be more supportive of the local shops, though

There is a NEW shop opening in Payson AZ called the Copper Needle. I am sorry to see so many shops closing

Too many ordering online.

Went to the store Saturday that is closing in Manalapan store is still stocked to the gills...just got an email that the Mt Holly shop is opening with a new owner in a few weeks.