I need to sound off today (Vent)! I work in my local quilt shop part time to feed my addiction (fabric & thread)and to have the best fabrics available for my hard work, unfortunately, she is going out of business, the rent has gone up, people are penny pinching, classes aren’t filling either. At this point, if things don't improve the other (3) quilt shops in (2 hours away) driving distance will close also. What a shame. Quilters talk about buying fabric at the Wal-Mart’s -who by the way buy the cheapest gray runs or off grade fabrics. Or quilters go to trade shows and spend their money there, or go on the internet. It is a jungle out there-visit your LQS; it feels good when you go shopping there. Small business quilt shops are suffering. This would be helping Our Own. These quilt shops didn't go into business to get rich - they are there because they felt the need and they love the art and helping people like you and me.
I have also made quilts with clothing from my husbands shirt- beautiful king size quilt - 5 years later - all those triangles are worn away, now it will take me months to replace-applique all new triangles - Boy - that wasn't worth saving the money on that! I should have gone with 1st grade quilting fabric to begin with. Never Again.

Hello, I went into my local quilt shop the other day, owner and 2 employees were in there and not one asked me if I needed any help, I finally walked out after 25 minutes

Walmart doesn't carry fabric in my area, will have to drive to another LQS

did you say hello to them? did you ask for help? I really feel like it goes both ways.
I personally greet each potential customer walking in the door but most shops don't do that.

I have been visiting my LQS frequently. I am blessed to have quite a few in my area, some due to the large mennonite population nearby. I do buy some of my fabrics from Joann when the budget is tighter. Fabrics at my LQS run anywhere from $8.75 to $14.00 a yard. I do like their fabrics better though! I hope that all good, domestic arts aren't coming to a slow end. It's harder and harder to find people (especially in my age group) who take the time to do things like quilting, baking and making jam.. Little "old fashioned" things that my grandmothers did, and I am learning and hope to pass on to my children and grandchildren someday! Most of my friends don't even iron for their families let alone know how to make a quilt or a homemade pie crust! LOL

I buy used, off line, and from the LQS. I am on a budget I can't afford to always buy top of the line.

The economy is bad, we bail out big business because they are to "big to fail." But we have forgotten the little business.

I have no answer for the way things are. There use to be a volunteer agency called Small Business Bureau, that would help businesses with a plan for sucess.

There are several LQS in my area plus a Hancocks, Hobby Lobby and Joanns. There are three very local (within 30 minutes) and 7 or 8 that are within an hour. The only time I shop online is if I can't find what I want there. When I'm on vacation I go to fabric stores there. I try to get to Joanns, Hancocks, and two of the three other stores at least once a month but sometimes I don't always make it. One of those shops I go to more than once a month and that is Threads of Time in Danville, Il. The reason I go there more often is that they have a really broad spectrum of fabric, patterns and notions, a very friendly staff, and a retreat center. Plus for every dollar I spend I get reward points that I can redeem there. The reward points can go toward cutters, thread, fabric, cutting mats, or even free stays at the retreat center,(usually $35 a night). However, I must say that in this economy people have to really watch their money anyway they can. I don't buy nearly as much as I'd like to.

was in another town and hadn't been in there for a long time, the owner was on the phone and she never looked up at me, 1 of them was behind the counter reading a book and the other one was sewing

All the LQSs in my area are at least 45 minutes to an hour away. At least once a month, I try to get to my favorite LQS. They're all very friendly, know my name, and are very helpful. They offer a Friday night and a Sunday morning sewing session, or any weekday, where you can bring in a project or UFO for only $5 per hour. Well worth it, if just for the camaraderie of fellow quilters!

Lord knows I have enough fabric!! But, I always try to buy something when I'm there because (1) I appreciate all the free help I get and (2) I want them to stay in business for their sakes as well as mine! Being open on a Sunday must be a sacrafice of their time (they're open seven days a week); my guess, if this is one way that helps them to stay open, then it's what they're going to do. Plus, IMO, it's a smart thing to do; i.e., what quilter can go into a nice, friendly, LQS without leaving with something?! :-) Even if we already have enough?!!

I buy fabric everywhere. If it is for something very special, or a special expensive pattern, I buy from LQS. However, since quilting is my ONLY hobby, entertainment, luxury budget item I buy a lot (for me). A couple of hundred a month. Sometimes more, plus magazines and books which usually runs around $75. I buy thrift, garage sale, etc., fabric for scrap quilts, pet quilts, kids drag around quilts. I can make more for the next 10 years or so. I have made several what I consider heirloom quality quilts and hope the fabric I put into them will hold up. If I put my $200 a month into LQS fabric, I wouldn't have much.

Yes, I do. I have two nearby and one a bit further. I, too, have a nice stash but I'm finding that I have to buy additional yardage to go with those special pieces I just couldn't resist.
On vacation, I also have a few to shop at.
I feel your pain. You are in a very frustrating situation and I can understand how disappointing it is for you.

No - it is an hour away - when I go "into town" I MAY stop by - time permitting tho

Yes, I try too. We have a couple in our area, and I just love one of them. The ladies are SO nice, and helpful.. I dont have much money to spend, but I try to buy everything there, even my needles.
I always say its dangerous to go there, I always want something!

I went to the LQS yesterday and was greeted with a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! and noise makers, and it wasn't even my birthday, it was theirs. But the good news is they were having a big sale. Boy, did I luck out there. The ladies there were all very friendly and helpful. I bought some sale items and some regular price items... gotta make more of the Bow Tucks Totes.... and I just had to have some fleur de lis fabric because I'm in Louisiana but that wasn't on sale. Chances are it will sell out before it ever gets to the sale rack.

The shop is only two years old but it is doing very well and has moved to a larger location already. I enjoyed my time there.... oh, did I mention they had cake and punch for everyone? Yep!

I don't go to my 'local' shop. It's an hour and twenty minute drive to get there so if I do go to the town it's in I am usually there in the morning and they don't open until 1 in the afternoon and are closed on Mondays my usual day off . Too late for me to stop in as I am usually on my way back home by then. I stopped in once but was very disappointed by the fabrics in the store. Very little choice and at $18.00 yd it was hard to justify buying anything there when I can get the same quality at half that price elsewhere and without the drive.

The lqs that I visit is the best. The ladies are friendly and very helpful. She has done everything possible to keep her prices down and some of her batiks are less than Joann's. I know times are tough. When things are tough for me, I just buy less, but still buy 99% from my lqs. Of corse it doesn't hurt that is is only 3 blocks from me (I live in a very small town). We have lost so many of our locally owned small businesses that I am doing my small part to make sure we don't loose this one.

I would have to disagree. I have never walked in my LQS (there are two I visit frequently) and have not at least been acknowledged with a "Hello". If they want your business they should at least greet you when you walk in, and tell you to let them know if you need anything. That is just common courtesy.

This economy is hurting just about everyone.
I've cut down on my trips to LQS in my area for that reason.
But I've also cut down on many other things. For now I'm trying to work with what I have for the most part. I'm cutting down across the board, not just sewing stuff :(

Yes, I buy from LQS when I can afford to. I usually go in and check out the sales, and buy those. I love the bits and pieces usually less than 1/4 that I buy for 1/2 price. One shop has bolts for 1/2 price, I try to buy my backings there. I make quilts I hope will be used and still last way past my lifetime because they are the best quality but not at top prices.

Which goes to show - CUSTOMER SERVICE is EVERYTHING! Most businesses do not even know what it means anymore!!

Pensacola Dosn't have a LQS we have jo-anns and Michales and one other store I'v never been to. I have been dreaming about Jo-anns if I really wanted to it is in walking distance but the baby wouldn't like that with this heat so I wait for a ride....

The nearest LQS is only a few months old. They are so friendly, and I always buy something to support their business. I really want them to stay open!!

There are several local (i.e., within an hour's drive) quilt shops in my rural area and I stop at my two favorites at least once a month, the others at least four times a year. The owners have become friends of mine and I generally buy a couple yards of fabric every time I visit. Two other local shops have closed their brick and mortar stores and are now doing business online only. It's less expensive for them and they resisted as long as they could, but at least they are still in business.

Although I shop online for bolts of Kona solids, I prefer to buy everything else from locally owned shops. That goes for non-quilting stuff, too. For every $100 spent in a locally owned store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that amount in a national chain store, only $43 stays home. Spend it online and nothing comes home. It's a neighbor helping neighbor thing for me. If you would miss a store if it disappeared, do your part to keep it in business.

Oh yeah, and at every single quilt shop I have ever been in here in this cold, aloof northeastern part of the country, the staff has greeted me within two minutes of opening the door with a smile, a welcome, and an offer of help. I have never been ignored or made to feel like I was imposing on them. ;-)

I should say that one of ours isn't the friendliest place in the world. I was there one day trying to buy fabric and right in the middle of cutting my fabric one of the owner's inner circle of customers walked up, ask her a question and she walked away with the woman. After about 5 minutes I said, "Is she coming back?" The woman on the cash register said she'd go check. When the cash register woman came back she said, "She's on the phone now, something about her horses. She may be awhile." I left. Although I'm in a BOM there I buy very little else. I've also overheard her talking badly about customers to other customers which made me wonder what she says about me---very bad for business.
While I realize that as quilters we need them, as business owners they also need us. Business owners need to do everything possible to make their stores inviting. If I have a choice, I'm going to go where it's always inviting and cheerful.

Yes, it does go both ways. I would have left also. That's ridiculous.

My LQS Ericas is wonderful :thumbup: They tasl to me, greet me and let me wonder around.

I have been to LQS where I get ignored , in those cases I usually leave with very little if anything , If i like the way I am treated I buy more :thumbup:

Do I visit my LQS regularly?
Yes they are a great bunch there. And I've bought 2 machines from them in the past.

Do I buy my fabrics there?
Usually no. I'll buy notions, patterns, etc. But their prices are a little high for me right now.

I completely agree that your LQS needs to "want" your business and be friendly and know who you are... or at least want to know who you are!

I also agree that most LQS owners aren't in it for the big bucks :) I should know... I'm working at opening mine (hopefully by August). My LQS was closing due to her own personal reasons and I couldn't stand to see it closing, so I'm hoping to keep it open for our community and those surrounding us, but it looks like I'll take a HUGE cut in salary to do it... :( So, I guess my main focus is already the customer and not $... although, hopefully, someday... both would be great... :)

And, thanks and HUGS to all of you who helped me so very much by responding to my thread, asking for what you personally like in a LQS!

I would be broke if I lived near Ericas. I love their website!

Here in the Rip Off Republic, our extortionate Value Added Tax of 21% makes fabric and notions very expensive indeed. I knew one woman who considered going into business, but when she talked to local (Dublin) quilters everyone was either going on holiday in the US and filling suitcases or ordering over the internet. She didn't feel there was a way to add enough value to overcome the price difference. Which probably explains why we don't have a LQS!

Yes I support my Local Quilt Store, I travel for my work and frequent some stores on a regular basis, i would just hate if it my home town store closed. I'm the president of our local Guild so I make sure we buy from the local store when we have community projects to do in return we get a discount of 10% for being guild members. I always tell new quilters to visit the local quilt store they are worth their weight in gold in good product, good classes and lots of advice from many diffrent quilters.

I was in mine recently-a sewing machines turned quilt store.I got greeted(she scared me she was just there!) and within a minute turned around and left.I asked for SM grease-for gears-she claims they didn't have any??? How can that be?Then proceeded to ask me what machine it was for.Like that makes a difference? Not gonna get my business anymore. I think they di carry it,she didn't want to be bothered.Like I wouldn't have browsed fabrics and prolly bought some.

Shelly
Ft.Lupton,CO

I hit the one here in town usually once a week. I was just here yesterday. The other 3 which are a little further away I try to hit at least once a month. I will usually buy at least a little something each time I go.
They all know who I am!!!!

I have not had wonderful experiences in my LQS. I do love to look around at all of the great items, but I seem to always be in their way. There is always someone's personal friend, or a "preferred" customer that more than one of them is talking to. I cannot afford to buy all of my fabric and supplies in a LQS, but I do buy some. I don't like the feeling of being treated as a second class quilter just because I do not buy hundreds of dollars each time I shop. I feel that if I were treated better with my $30 purchase, I would probably come back more often and maybe purchase more. Just my thoughts.....

I try to support all local businesses, but only if I get good service. It just so happens that the service at my LQS is great. Unfortunately an employee had to quit because business is slowing down and they wanted to put her part-time. But I still get good service and will go there whenever I can.

When our walmarts had fabric, I would look at what they had, but my daughters would always remind me not to buy any. They would say "you know they are gonna put the small shops out of business and you don't want to be a part of that do you?" Always made me turn away & go to a local shop. :)

We are driving to look at a buffet from craigslist today - oh shucks, there happens to be a quilt store 5 blocks away. Since I am on a self-imposed fabric-buying moratorium, I wasn't going to stop there. DH says that is sacraligious - so I wracked my brain......and I have no black fabric. I think I NEED some black fabric. Nodding head vigorously. SO yes, when given an opportunity - I visit the local LQS.

I shop at my LQS regularly and buy my fabric and patterns there. It probably takes me longer to finish a project than alot of you so it's a longer time between purchases. I also bought my Pfaff sewing machine and serger there. Great service and classes! When I need notions and batting I go to JoAnn's and use the coupons. Today is a sidewalk sale at the LQS-all the fabric on the sidewalk is marked way down. So guess where I am headed next...

let me stress, first of all, that i would never try to change the mind of a diehard LQSer. that will absolutely not be the point of my comment here.

if fewer people are shopping at LQS it's because (1) fewer people can afford the ever-increasing prices; or (2) fewer people are willing to pay the ever-increasing prices; or both. inconvenient hours are also a contributing factor.

i have a great deal of human-being-to-human-being sympathy for a good person who's done her best for her customers but must, nonetheless, close her doors.

but i will not accept blame, feel shame, or take on unfounded guilt because i chose to not rearrange my whole life to squeeze in time to buy things i don't want or need from a place that charges more than i can afford.

if there was an LQS in my town, and the hours were convenient, and the service was good, and the selection of fabrics and notions was good, and the prices were in a range affordable to the average person, and they didn't bash and trash fabrics sold elsewhere, i would be a loyal patron.

however, my loyalty would not be based on some odd notion that I owe that loyalty to the shop. i would do it in hope that LQS would stay in business for my convenience and benefit and for that of my fellow quilters. we do not owe any business our custom.

if you love your LQS and want to help it stay afloat, then i encourage you to do that. just don't beat yourself up if you don't or can't.

I show at lots of places. If I am making a special quilt that I want to last & know the person will take care of, I am more inclined to look at LQS. If it is a quilt I want used & loved, I don't chose the most expensive fabric. For charity quilts, I want good fabric but can't spend $8+ a yard for every quilt. I figure I do between 2 & 4 quilts a month for charity so have to be careful with my money.

I LOVE my LQS. I only can go about once a month, but where I live we get a lot of seniors in the cooler months. I applied for a job there, but I probably won't get it until this fall.