Kath12

I buy from my LQS occasionally but prefer to go to other shops that are about an hour away because I never know what the mood of the owner of my LQS is going to be. One time she is friendly and helpful and then the next time is like it is an annoyance to wait on me. I am not the only one that feels that way. I've heard others that won't shop there because of the way they were treated. So I'll shop online or at another QS most of the time.

mhansen6

If my local quilt shops did what yours do I would shop only at them also. I went in to buy some batting for a flannel quilt yesterday and the owner just barked at me. I was just asking questions about the batting. There was no one else in the store and she was treating me like she was too busy to help me. This is typical for the stores around here. The closest store that treats me "special" is in Prineville. She is always helpful and really nice.

auntpiggylpn

Did you purchase the batting from her? I sure wouldn't have!!!

QuiltMania

I honestly don't get why folks think it is their "obligation" to keep any company in business. It is the business owner's obligation to keep themselves in business. It is the owner's responsibility to do whatever is necessary to keep themselves afloat -- lower prices, form buying groups with other owners to keep prices low from suppliers, offer special services, etc. I shop locally quite a bit from places where the price, service, selection, etc. is right for what I need.

pinkcastle

If I had a LQS that I just loved, I sure would support them. I do seem to spend more money online lately, probably because the closet store closed last fall. However, now and then, a friend and I plan little shop hops. We go to quilt shops an hour to an hour and a half away - visiting as many as we can. We get away from the house, have a nice lunch and quilt shop. What a fun way to spend the day!

quiltmom04

We are in a unique position now to help save LQS or just say " too bad for you I can get it cheaper online". LQSs will go the way of the local 5&10, the small hardware store ( how many kids will never known how nice that was), or a gas station that actually serviced your car. We all say 'oh boo hoo, buy American, 'but if we're not supporting local retailers - fabric and otherwise - we're not supporting our own local economy. No, it's not as dramatic as saving the auto industry, but if we all can save the jobs of a handful of hardworking people in our communities, doesn't THAT help?

cmw0829

I usually buy my fabric at a LQS - there are two within a 40 minute drive - because I like to touch/feel, etc. But I also want to support local businesses because if we don't, we might not have them.

However...I get the impression from my most-often frequented LQS that the owner doesn't like to refer customers elsewhere if she doesn't have what they're looking for. For example, I was talking to one of the ladies who works there about wanting to do a quilt in a certain style of fabric that she doesn't carry. She looked over her right shoulder, looked over her left shoulder and then whispered the name of the other LQS which carries a large selection of them.

I would suggest to any small business person - if you're confident in your product and service, then openly refer us to where we can find what we need/want if you can't provide it. We will respect you for it and will reward your honesty with future purchases.

BellaBoo

Why would you let a business make you feel bad? I have good friends that own businesses and I don't feel guilty if I buy what they sell from another place if they can't match the price and service.

quiltmau

I agree with you-the LQS I love is in New Mexico and I shop there every time I visit my BFF-to the point of having to ship fabric back to CT where I live. My LQS here in CT can care less if I am there or not. I am greeted with more enthusiastism by her dog than by her.

IrishNY

I don't feel guilty when I buy online but I only do it for selection, not price. If I can get what I want locally at a store that I like to patronize, then I shop there. There is one store near me that doesn't seem very friendly unless they think I am looking at the machines they sell, then they are very friendly. I don't go there very often. But the others get my business if I can find what I want.

When I consider shopping online to save money, I remind myself that if I do so, that will soon become my only choice. Shops that just have an online presence and no bricks and mortar have an advantage in pricing. I'm not willing to save a few bucks when I consider the consequence of potentially having no LQS. But I will shop online without guilt if I can't find what I want locally.