Another one Bites the Dust
 

Just received an email that Fabric Inspirations, LLC, 285 Gordon's Corner Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
is closing their store at the end of April So SAD!!! not to much left in New Jersey

I sympathize. My beloved LQS closed at the end of last year. That leaves me with nothing nearby. While I'm thankful for on-line options, it's not the same as looking at real fabric while having a friendly chat with the store staff. It is indeed so sad.

Village Quilter in Mt Holly closed last week, too. Mouse Creek is still in Howell so far.

That is so sad that LQS are still closing. :(

I was on Rt 9 (Mouse Creek location) Sunday any my sister said as we drove past the shopping center, she didn't see the quilt shop - I didn't have time to turn around a go back, just wondering if they still are there?

That is very sad to hear. I really liked that shop. I did not frequent it as it's a bit of a hike, I did very much like their fabrics; layout; brightness; etc. I'm not surprised the one in Mt. Holly closed. Visited it for the first time about 6 months ago. Very nice fabrics and personnel but not much in the way of selection and a bit difficult to find. Have not been to Mouse Creek although have heard good things about it.

Certainly not affiliated with this one but my LQS is Pennington Quilt Works in Pennington, NJ (central part of the state not far from Princeton area). They have quite a fabric selection; lots of batiks as well as regular quilting fabrics; very helpful staff; relatively easy to get to (couple of minutes from Rt. 95). They are also a Bernina dealer. Somewhat new location so still nice and bright. Easy to see fabrics.

I understand shops of any kind closing because owners have been in business a long time and are ready to retire...sad part is no one buys it and continues to serve the public in whatever capacity. So all resort to big box stores or if possible online shopping. Wonder if this trend conitues what will the future look like.....

The lqss here have been in business ever since I've been here and I'm told couple have been in it for almost 30-40 years. They still have large clientele so hopefully. One of the shops owners are in their 70s.

I have two closer local quilt stores I love to go to. I go past them both when I go that way to an appointment I have. I always try to pick up something at them on those times. They are set up so pretty, and the one closest to me gives free classes one day per week on whatever we would like help with. The other one gives a class once per month of their choosing of the latest thing for $20.00. I got an invitation from them yesterday for a class on making the folded wreathes that so many have been making. All of their fabrics etc. are first quality, and they are so knowledgeable on everything.

Jo Ann's is too far from me, but I could order on line. After I seen the fabric and other things at these two shops I just don't go anywhere else, but if I have too I just pick up something at Walmart. If I don't have much to spend I just buy a small piece at the shops, but I like what I get.

I have also ordered on the fabric sales from one person on the board here. The fabric I got from her was nice.

I just don't understand with so many people quilting, knitting, crocheting etc. why so many stores are closing. So sad!

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.