Four of us gals drove 2 hrs each way today to go to the largest quilt shop in Florida! 20,000 bolts of fabric and 700 books, etc. etc. Fabric choices were abundant - displayed well - clean shop, but the most unfriendly women working there we couldn't believe it. We didn't know how to react!!!! Next week we are taking our money to a friendly shop!

Yes, yes, yes. But I think I went to the one you went to, a few years ago, and they were very pleasant to my nonquilting Dear sister-in-law who browsed for one and 1/2 hours so I could see it all. (She really is a sweetheart) and me. I'm hoping they were just having a bad day.

most likely overworked & underpaid...have been to shops with unhappy workers...bad day maybe? i always try to give them the benefit of the doubt & chalk it up to "personal problems"...

I have been to some shops that were not very welcoming or pleasant. I try to give my business to those shops that are friendly and pleasant. I only frequent the shops that are NOT nice only if I absolutely have to.

The most mean quilt shop person I have ever visited was the big one in Sedona, AZ. I forgot the name. It's been sold since then so the owner that was there when I was I guess is gone too. The employees were trying to be nice but the owner was so hateful and biting everyone's head off all they could do was say yes ma'am and look embarrassed. I didn't buy a thing there. I heard it's a super nice shop now.

I sure have,and it surprised me cause they have a reputation for being friendly.I went to Jo-Ann's at Richmond,Va and picked out my fabric. There were 3 sales-clerks there and 2 cutters.Two of the clerks were talking about a dinner date that they were going out together with their husbands.The third one was ringing up a sale.One of the cutters looked at my stack of fabric and said she was going on a smoke break.The 2nd cutter said it was time for her lunch break and I would have to wait for the clerk to cut for my fabric in between her sales and that I should have come at a better time. I left my fabric and walked out the door.

I know which one you are talking about. I know I am a weirdo because I prefer to be left alone in a quilt shop, so my perception of unfriendly probably doesn't match yours. The staff at that shop does leave me alone but I don't remember anyone being unfriendly. They have lots of fabric - that's all I care about.

And I have also visited the Sedona shop several times and never had a bad experience. It is a great shop.

Sorry you didn't have a wonderful time after all your driving time. You might want to let the owner know that you made such an effort and were disappointed. I'm sure you were really looking forward to the visit.

I have the same thing at a LQS right around the corner from me. And believe me, it wasn't just once, but every time I go in there that they are snooty. I too only go there when I absolutely need to. And in fact, the last time I went in, I wasn't even impressed with the fabric choices they offered so I don't see myself going back again.
I either shop at Joann's or drive 1/2 hour one way to shop at a really nice, friendly quilt shop.

Absolutely, and I think it's so weird. I've been to shops where the employees are almost quilt "snobs" who seem to size you up the minute you walk through the door. I hope these store owners realize that people rarely spend money where they feel unwelcome or unwanted.

It was about six or seven years ago I was at the Sedona store. The DD of the owner was helping me, she whispered apologies for her mother to me, afraid of being overheard. I'd like to go back one day it was a beautiful city.