Jingle

I don't like going into small stores for that reason, act like everyone coming in will steal them blind. Big stores don't act like that. That is where I spend my money.

jitkaau

Luckily, no one behaves like that in any of the stores I go to. Most of them are run by men and the only time one of them hovered a bit was when the store had a lot of shop -lifting going on so you can't really blame him for keeping an 'eagle-eye'.

Grandma Kathy

i think I would have to be a little rude and say back off. If and when I need help I will ask for it.

kalady

Sorry she is too helpful. Maybe just say "I am looking for inspiration and I do that better alone, but thank you."[/QUOTE]

I think this is the perfect answer=tactfully to the point. If she persists, turn on your heel , say nothing and leave

quilterella

You would be surprised what people will steal in a Quilt Store. I had my own shop for five years and at first because I was naive, shoplifting was terrible. People will take your display magazines if they think they can get away with it. At first I had my notions dispersed among the fabric, so they could actually see a specific ruler with a specific fabric line with a specific sample quilt. After I realized I was loosing inventory, I started following people around, under the pretense of helping them...wrong. I closed the shop for 2 days to re-organize and re-decorate, with a note on the door stating why. When I re-opened, all the notions were behind the counter or in plain site with the thread. Mirrors were installed so I could atleast pretend I could see what was going on when I was busy, baby monitors were strategically placed so I could hear what was going on if I had to go to the back room for something and a motion sensor doorchime(a very obnoxious one) was placed at the end of the counter by the door. It didn't cost much to do these things but, boy, what a difference. I didn't have to hover over customers unless they wanted me too and they didn't have to hide between the rows of fabric. So, yes, sometimes we hover too much, but, we have our reasons.

quilterella

It isn't that everyone is coming to steal us blind...but you would be surprised at who will try. As for shopping at big stores, they can afford better anti-theft and survelliance systems. I personally prefer small town quilt stores, first for the ambience and second for the personalization of it. JMHO

topstitch

I usually tell the "stalker" something like "I have no idea what I want but if I have any questions I will COME AND GET YOU."

It works every time.

Dawn227

I understand that! I have been asked and usually say if they get persistant, I really don't know what I want I just stopped in for some inspiration. As soon as I find it I'll let you know know. Usually they leave me be. Or I will ask for a little something I hadn't seen yet. That will appease them.
dawn227

ptquilts

If they are too persistent, try what I call stonewalling. Pick a short phrase like "if I have any questions I will COME AND GET YOU." when they persist, REPEAT the phrase. Keep repeating as needed.

It is very hard to engage you in conversation when you are doing this.

This works in all kinds of situations where people are trying to converse with you about something you don't want to talk about.

patinpoconos

Where is this Pa Fabric Outlet, Please? Thanks.