YES!! I get this, too, at my local quilt shop. I'm young, I have young children, I have tattoos and piercings. What I hate more than anything is I'm spoken to as if I couldn't possibly have a clue what I am talking about. I am actually more likely to drive the extra distance and go to the "big box" store (Fabric Land, here in Canada) than my LQS JUST because the staff is so friendly and helpful.

My LQS employees completely ignore customers who walk in the door. I've been in there enough times where they should know me, but honestly I have walked in, browsed, and walked out without a single word spoken to me, numerous ti mes. I have to be the one to say hello or ask for help. Also, I have asked for opinions about colors and they offer no help. I would love it if, for example, someone would say "Oh, I know something that would look great with that, how about this?" etc. I am on my own completely in that shop, except when it's time to pay.

Our local LQS is very nice. Most of the people are absolutely wonderful with the exception of one who thinks she super special. My only complaint is that the store owner purchases fabric she likes and I cannot find any bright colors. Some of us really like brights and would appreciate seeing some!!!

Good lighting and a window you can get to, to be able to compare fabric in natural light. Notions. I'm a gadget junkie. I want to try the latest thing advertised in the magazines and at shows. I know it can't all be stocked, but have the tried and true things too, not just a few bobbins and needles.
Different brands of thread choices.
And last but not least: Don't be a machine snob or allow any of your employees to be one. If someone walks in the door, they sew. Period. It should not matter one whit to anyone what machine your customer uses.

I agree to all of the above and:

1) Make sure the staff know how to sew!!!!! Know how to make quilts!!!!!

2) Make sure the staff are as nice to men as they are women that walk in the store.....they buy too!!!

3) I go to one shop that I dread going to (it's so close!!!). They have a staff person that follows me around, always making suggestions (even when I don't ask) and will try to drag me from one end to the other of the store. She exhausts me!!! Always grabs books and says "you should buy this", etc, etc, etc. She's on overload....I hate it!

good luck!

Likes-1. Friendly workers,that know the shop
2.Classes that aren't just beginner classes,but not too expensive,and the instructer be prepared
3.Samples
4.Open sew time
5.Punch card and make sure customers know about it(LQS did NOT tell me about theirs because I only came in on 10% off day).
6.Good lighting
7.Reading Nook with quilting books and comfy chairs
8.To be able to rent Long Arm,for quilting own quilts

I like great light, LOTS of fabric and reasonable prices, whether all the time or through frequent sales.

Mostly lots of fabric. I don't go to quilt shops to make friends, become part of a club or hang out. I go there to shop for fabric and I want lots of choice.

Good luck with your decision.

I agree with most of the comments I have seen expressed here. Definitely greet all customers even if you are busy with someone else. At least a small aknowledgement is nice. For sure don't follow me around - that's one of the quickest ways to get me out of your store. I think it would be great to have a suggestion box to see what classes people would like to take. My LQS seems to have hardly any classes lately - they have an embroidery club,new owners classes, and occassionally a well-known quilter comes in to teach a random class. i have been looking for a paper-piecing hands-on class for the last 4 years and they haven't offered it. I know the technique has been around for a while but I can't be the only quilter around interested in this class. Good luck with your business plans!

One of our LQS has most of the things that you all have mentioned so I know how lucky I am. She has an old wash tub that the remnants, scraps from cutting kits/blocks, end of bolts go into and you can pack a sandwich baggie full for $3.00. Her discontinued fabric is in the 'backyard area' and the nice sized pieces are rolled into 'orphans'. There is a tea room called 'The Fat Quarter Tea Room' that serves great food and desserts. The first Saturday of the month is used for anyone to bring in and 'Show Off'. Lots of classes going all hours. My favorite things is to go through her wash-tub and it just amazes everyone how much fabric I can get in a bag. I sit and roll the scraps into tight little bundles. I have had sometimes at least 2 yards in a bag. Merrily's runs a great quilt shop in our area.

Didn't read all the other replies...

One of my biggest wishes is that the store have at least one night per week when they are open. Our LQS closes at 5 pm everyday -- that's hard when you work fulltime! And they are closed on Sunday. So Saturday is pretty much the only time I can make it and usually Saturdays are booked with other things.

My LQS in Houston was open 1-5 on Sundays and that was great. It was a good time after church and lunch to sneak out and do a bit of shopping!

eta: they also had a twice a year fat quarter sale that I loved....

Most of my suggestions have already been listed, as I'm a young quilter who gets treated like I shouldn't be there. Anyway, my greatest suggestion would be for your employees to know what you have in stock. If I come in and ask if you have Kona cotton in coffee, I'd appreciate someone being able to tell me if you have it or at least be able to look it up somehow. I can't tell you how many times I get blank stares when I ask about a particular fabric or line.

I would appreciate a table/countertop where I can lay out and test fabric "runs." I'm into bargello quilts which often require 20+ fabrics. It's impossible to spread more than 6 or 7 bolts on the top of a cart, yet that's what I must settle for at Jo-Ann's, Hancock, etc. Since well-coordinated "runs" can make or break a bargello design, I'm willing to pay somewhat higher fabric prices at a store that gives me the space needed to avoid making poor fabric choices. In the end, I think I'd spend the same amount of money, but less fabric would be wasted.

Kwendt, great list, spot on.

I would also like to see lots more free demos on tools, templates, etc. Not everyone can follow instructions from books, slip of paper - once shown, then I have the basics and can follow any instruction later.

A 'quilting book' corner with chairs so you can browse through the books comfortably. If I am going to spend $60 or more on ONE book, I want to see what is in it and whether it is worth getting, without stern looks of disapproval from LQS staff.

All bolts of fabric easily accessible - I hate having to go behind the counter of a LQS to see fabric, notions, etc. Moving fabric color combos around the store regularly creates added interest and it seems to make me notice (and purchase) fabrics previously missed

Oh I could go on and on and on...

Likes: well-lit, fabrics not piled in front of each other so you cannot see the ones back, notions, more notions, and more notions! Dislikes: don't assume my two young kids are going to mess things up as soon as I walk in the door. I don't go into quilt shops unless I intend to buy, and I always buy more if the staff is friendly. But when it is assumed that my kids will make a mess, I leave.

A lot of the things I like to see in a quilt shop have already been mention. I have to say though that it would be nice if the owners, employees, and volunteers of these shops realize that money is money no matter who is spending it. I was recently in a LQS that was having an open house and one of the volunteers had a scowl on her face every time she looked up and saw me. Yet, the owner of another LQS makes it her business to know the first name of all of her customers, greets them by name when they enter the store and engages them in a conversation. She gets it!(and my money).

sales clerks that sew/quilt and at least have half an idea what your talking about. I dont think you have to have ever sewn at hancocks, they dont know much when I ask them about a tool or even a pair of sissors that im looking for.

You know, one of our locally-owned jewelry stores had a party one evening in the beginning of December. Women were invited to come in with their friends, have a little wine and cake and pick out things they liked. Then their husbands/partners could come in later and check their "wish lists" for the perfect gift. Christmas shopping: done!

I don't know how this would translate specifically for a quilt shop but it's that sort of thing that makes this particular jeweler stand out in our community - even though there are lower prices to be had across town.

Have employees that LOVE fabric and other people!

Yes, this! With 9-5 hours during the week, a store basically guarantees that the only people that can visit the shop are those that are retired, or stay at home parents. There's a significant portion of the quilting community who work full time, and having just one day a week where you're open till 7 or 8pm would be a big deal.

All of the above plus a few others.....

*Patterns for quilts, totes, accessories, and clothes (fabric is not just for quilts even if it is a Quilt Shop)
* Long arm service - both pay to get it quilted and pay to rent by the hour
* Kits - lots of kits with made up samples
* enough staff for busy sale days
* food / cake / punch on special occasions - if I'm not hungry I might stay a little longer and buy a little more
* sign up for monthly prizes
* Open on Sunday - no use cutting off half the weekend when that's when most people shop and sew.
* Newsletter to let everyone know about sales, new items, and classes.

ditto

Everyone has such wonderful suggestions. I won't repeat all of them but I just wanted to repeat the fact that those of us who work really need a place that will be open even just one evening a week. And have some of your classes in the evening. I have not been able to take classes because they are all during the day, during the week.

Friendly staff is a must. I love it when my LQS's greet me by name!!!

After reading through all of these, I have to say that our LQS is great.
They do have night classes and all different levels of classes.
We used to have an open sewing night once a month. It was wonderful. It did cost $5, but there were always snacks and pop/bottled water. Then it changed to $20 a month and they have food brought in for dinner. This made it impossible for me to go anymore because I just can't afford it.
Right before Christmas they had a Friday night and a Saturday where they did demos of different techniques and new notions available. Some women brought their husbands and then they could come back and shop for their wives. Most of the clerks get to know your tastes and when husbands/wives come into shop they can easily help them with choices. If anyone wanted to shop for me they would know not to sell drab, dark colors to give as a gift for me.
Men are always welcome, as a matter of fact both husband an wife work at different times in the store. All except one clerk welcomes me by name.
The hours do make it difficult to shop if you work full time. They close at 6:00 and are closed on Sundays. I do understand though because they have young children which makes it difficult to be open late. Sundays are out of the question because in this area it is all day Church and family time. During the classes that are offered I do believe that they would be happy to let people shop. All you would have to do is ask.
The punch cards were a pain in the neck for them. Now it is computerized so it is easy to track and is on your receipt.

Being a male quilter ....I like to see workers that realize quilting is unisex. BUT most of all I want to see friendly faces willing to help, not run when a customer comes in

Some LQSs need to quit selling most notions.Who can afford to buy them? I just happened to be in 2 stores last wk,one I will visit again.They have fabric at 1/2 price & it's a good selection,flannels included....friendly service & lots of sample quilts.
The other place barely looks at new customers,says nothing & acts like it's a pain to leave their 3 ppl gab fest to cut fabric.The clerk then asked if I wanted the fabric in a sack? HUH ? No...I wanted to carry it out on a windy,snowy day.Guess which one I won't visit again.They obviously don't need my money.

cluttery, too narrow aisles is a dislike. I personally do not like quilts hanging over my head.....

I do like friendly people who greet you as you come in, then let you look at your own pace.

I like a relaxing atmosphere without pushy salespeople. Last time I was in my "local" shop, which is an hour away, the owner was really pushing the newest Bernina. It was a total waste of my time and I never even looked at fabric which is all $11.00 a yard.

I like it when there are library stools you can perch on if you are looking through the bolts that are down at floor level- I dislike having to walk around with my head hanging down at belybutton height as I browse fabrics, but that is what I always have to to- likewise my LQS displays FQs in a unit that has three different levels- I can only really see what is in the top one. Ditto on notions- I was sitting on the floor last time!

I wonder how it must be for others who have serious mobility issues, and I guess lots of quilters do, given the typical age profile.

SadieMae,I heard of a LQS somewhere that keeps track...maybe file cards? of customers "wish lists".
A DH can go in & buy just what is wanted for Christmas/BD etc.Just like a registry for wedding gifts.Sounds good...

I totally agree with you. It is also nice to have someone working there that has a lot of knowlege not just someone who tells you what to buy in order to make a lot of money. Give common sense advise not high dollar advise. You do not always have to spend a furtune to have good quality.

What a juicy question! I like a good website, which posts quarterly schedule EARLY so I can plan. A great selection of fun and affordable classes. Ask your customers what kind of classes they want...and please listen! If there are sale items (and there should always be), please let us know what they are and where they are (I don't like searching for them). Send me an email so I know there's a sale. I don't buy whatever's on sale but I do come in because I'm curious and often buy other things.
Smile..be friendly...offer to help with fabric selections. Some people don't have a good eye for color and would like help.
Offer and promote a frequent buyer card/club. Put names of everyone who attends a paid club/bee or a class in for a monthly drawing for a small gift certificate. Sponsor a "charity quilt-in". Offer free "drop-in" quilting time.
I really like my local LQS. Small shops need to do a good job of self promotion. Please offer sale items. I simply cannot justify shopping at my LQS if there is a huge discrepancy in price.
Thank you for asking important questions and doing your homework before you start a business.

VERY WELL SAID!!!!!

Ohhh! Good Question!
1. Friendliness, down-to-earth people working there that love to help and get enthused over one's projects.
2. It's also nice when someone looks up and smiles at you when you first walk in the door, even if they are busy and cannot get to you right away, they've acknowledge that they've seen you. Bonus points if they look up, smile AND welcome you by name then go back to whatever they're doing.
3. Personally, I like to see a lot of different types of samples, colorways, etc. While Thimbleberries 'country' is a nice look, it gets boring after a while. A nice cross-section of styles, colors, quilts, options hanging on the walls and put on display get my creative 'juices' a going...
4. Sale racks, sale kits, sale things. Give aways. Freebies. Free demos' on how to use notions, etc.
5. A big back room with 8' tables for classes - or for local quilters like me who do not have the space available to spray baste, pin baste or thread baste a large quilt. Nice when I can call ahead, making sure that there's nothing else going on... and can come over and lay things out. Even get some help!
6. Dinner classes....potlucks... slumber parties... quilt-til-you-wilt events. Fun things!
Sounds like my LQS Sew Much More in Garden City, GA. Always friendly and ready to help, also plenty of classes some are free.

This is what I like about my LQS:
1. very friendly, a "hello" when I walk in the door
2. helpful and gives suggestions and things to think about before buying
3. lots of quilt samples, who hasn't bought a pattern/fabric after looking at the store sample
4. fabric arranged in some kind of order
5. a $5 wall (clearance)
6. provides a place for quilters to come and sew/quilt all day for a small fee ($2.00)
7. a dog (animals break down barriers immediately, a great way for people to connect)
8. inexpensive classes if you buy the pattern/fabric

I totally agree with the sewing machine statement. Just because someone cannot afford a 3000.00 to 8000.00 dollar machine does not mean they are a lesser person than you.

You are absolutely correct. I went to a quilt shop near me and NO ONE looked up when I came through the door. I had to go up to them for them to acknowledge me. NOT GOOD. I went a 2nd time and saw a different woman there and she was very helpful and I ended up buying a couple yds. of different fabric. But I still had to find her in the store. The prices are a couple dollars more for the material, but if you see something different it is worth it at times.

Ahhh, my turn...GOOD LIGHTING!!! There is nothing like picking up one's mood like good lighting. When in a good mood the buying mood kicks in.
Some upbeat and contemporary projects for the younger set. I just love to see what the "youngsters" are doing.

Wow together we could open the greatest store ever! Should we meet up in the middle of the country or what!

Add to the list- knowing the customer (at least enough to offer advise to family when they come in to shop for their quilter).
I love the open house with demo's that one of my stores does.
Sale night for family and friends- my LQS always does a sale for her quilters, but would love to have a wish list and send the family off to shop!
I don't like when the staff picks the fabric for me. Happened the other day- I had a block I was looking for sashing. She offered to help and did find a beautiful piece of fabric, it just wasn't what I wanted. I became her personal mission to find fabric for me. She was helpful, but too helpful- I need space to have a fabric cry out to me!

One more thing...a section showing quick projects for gifts, or just a change from the big ones.

I agree wholeheartedly with chairs/places to sit. My dh and I usually spend our free time together. The LQS is not his favorite place but he'll go and sit there with a cup of coffee while I shop.

Also, I hate running up there and the are out of neutral thread. When I run out, I need it now, not when more comes next week :thumbup: