Books and Kits that my thing! Lots of fabrics that you can see. Can I come to work for you?

I remembered another one - prices on EVERYTHING... you may be independently wealthy - but I am not, and I cannot buy it just because I want it with no regard to price...
If I come in to browse I don't want to have to keep asking the price of something...
And don't change the price of 'whatever'... (unless it's on sale) - don't let the customer get to the cutting table and say "oh, this is supposed to be marked suchandso"... (believe me it has happened, guess what?, I didn't buy the fabric)

And if I ask for something don't say, "We can order it" - you know what, so can I.... and probably much cheaper than the LQS will sell it

"Nice to see you again" - that warmed my heart and brings me back to a shop 45 min. from my house. I pass by 3 other shops to get there.

Open on Sundays for working people. In fact, open consistently. Nothing's worse than arriving at posted hours to find the place closed for no apparent reason. I hate having to call first to make sure they are open.

Calling or emailing me to tell me a fabric that they ran out of is in. Offering to mail me more when I run out so I don't have to drive 45 min.

A place to put down your bolts of fabric if you are buying or auditioning a bunch. This place should not also serve as the cutting or paying counter so as not to create a bottle neck for others.

A nice variety of fabric, some of which may NOT be the style of the owner(s). Just because you like "country" doesn't mean everybody else does!

A sale area, and discounts for birthdays (mine gives me a percentage off that's 1/2 of my age).

Aside from the usual "wants" in a quilt shop, I would have to say that being friendly is at the top of the list.
I have shopped at my local JoAnns and had the girl at the cutting counter be so friendly and helpful. The first thing she asks is what I'm working on and will walk through the fabrics with you to help you find what you need.
I have shopped my LQS and was never spoken to until I was at the checkout. They weren't snobs, just not personable.
I am so much more inclined to return to a store that is welcoming and helpful, but not pushy.
Oh yeah, have plenty of quilts on display!!!

the one thing i dislike about one of my lqs is the fact that the owner talks the whole time i'm shopping. i find that very distracting and annoying. greet me when i come in the door, say a few words to make me feel welcome, then let me look around and take in all the lovely fabrics. sometimes i go to a lqs just to pick up one quick item, but enjoy a little "me time" at the same time.

FAVORITES: Friendly, helpful, smiling faces, space to move around in, carts to carry your fabric, place to sit and rest in between, restroom, made up samples, sale table, organization so I can find things, parking and easy entrance (no steps), good lighting, consistent shop policies,cut don't rip, classes free and paid

PET PEEVES: Shops with no room to get around and no carts, snotty owners and clerks who only seem to like you if you take all their classes, unprofessional and unorganized shop policies, no place to rest or use the restroom, mixed up display (i.e. whites in 4 or 5 places or rooms instead of all together), places that treat you like dirt after they have made a mistake like it was your fault instead of theirs and then refuse to make it right besides

Another thing I don't like is notices of sales without enough time to react. Whether online or in this city, I am constantly getting notices on the morning of a sale that will say "good only today or maybe two days." If you are on a fixed income, that is not enough time to take advantage of anything. In contrast, there is a shop in Alabama that used to have a specific day when things were marked down. You could plan ahead to take advantage of that day.

Sounds like everyone covered all the basis. Friendly is #1 for me. Treat me right and I will be back even if I only have the money to buy a fat quarter but I will talk your shop up to everyone I meet.

About 4 years ago my brother took me to Kansas to see my grandaughter we also went to Denver to see a sister I hadn't seen in a very long time. On the way we passed Golden. We went to the museum there and when we came out there was a fabric store I believe across the street. The lady was closing up but let us go in anyway. She was very sweet and friendly even though I don't think I bought anything. I did try and hurry but she didn't not rush us out. That is the kind of shop I like to go to. :-)

Very smart to ask this question. I agree with much of the comments, but especially the regular hours and friendly workers.
I wish you well, I worked at my moms quilt shop for 9 years and the customer service is very important. If you can, carry sewing machines and do service. Move the fabric around alot to help folks see a different view of it. We all get stuck in a color rut.

I think the #1 thing would be to provide what we can't get in our internet shopping and that is good customer service. I like when I go in my LQS and the clerk who has been waiting on me for years says, "And what complicated project are you working on now?" She turns to other customers and tells them about my work. It flatters me, don't know that I am really THAT good, but it keeps me coming back. The clerks also must be willing to help out customers with color choices and any other questions they might have. I also wish more quilt shops were open on Mondays. That is my "play day" A couple around here are closed on Monday AND Tuesday. Those are my days to shop or go to doctors. The rest of the week is my working time on sewing projects, etc.

I am fortunate.The LQS in Batavia, IL has great fabrics, friendly employees, washroom, samples, sale fabric, (color sticker on end of bolts with list on wall as to the discount. Discount changes monthly.) Book section with chairs and table.
No charge sew-ins once or twice a month. 6-11 pm. The shop has a sign in for these so it doesn't get too crowded. She went from one to two nights a month so I thinking sales on those night are good. Everyone brings something to share so doesn't add expense to shop. Lots of classes at different times and a LA to rent or have your quilt done for you.
They will ask if you want a bag because if you don't they add a button to a jar and they donate a nickle per button to a charity. Also do charity sew-ins in the shop. (quilts of valor, conker cancer pillowcases and project Linus)
Staff is always willing to help when you need it and are open late on Thursdays. Also has a coupon book. One page per month. Coupons vary a little each month but have % off cut of fabric, buy one thread get 2nd half off. % off sale item, deal on LA rental, etc. The book is 10.00 for the year but if you spend 100.00 at annual birthday sale you get it free. And their sale is always great.
And now they sell chocolate too.

I like shops that have lots of samples, kits and the store being very well lit. I get very frustrated when I am in a shop that is dark and hard to see the true colors of the fabric. Good luck in your shop. I also like shops that open by 9 but also stay open until 6 or 7 during the week. I work and can't get there by 4.

I tend to not shop where the people are rude or unfriendly to my DH who will be with me. They need to provide a nice place for him to sit comfortably too, or else I won't stay very long.

I like to see a variety of fabric types, not just the style that the owner "prefers".

I love lots of notions and gadgets- all the lastest with demos on how to use them- but don't beat me over the head with them. If I want, I'll buy it...don't ask me 10 times!

A variety of classses--not just beginner type classes. We who have a little experience under our belts still like to learn and get together too- I'm just NOT going to go to a Turning Twenty class...

My favorite thing is simply the fact that you are open. In small towns..regular hours of any business seem to be a real challenge. If you aren't open regularly- post those hours and then stick to what you post. I personally don't like that businesses are not open on Mondays--why??? Does the $$ you make on Monday not spend as well???

Congrats on your dream and best of luck...I wish you lived in MY town!

I like clerks that have some knowledge of quilting. It is so nice to have a second opinion when trying to pick out fabric. My lqs owner is so good, she has a great eye for color, but some of her employees haven't got a clue.

An area for kids!!!! Not that I take my boys with me all the time to quilt stores, but it's nice that they put some area for kids. A store that is local has a huge bucket filled with buttons and when kids come in, the shop owner puts some coins in it and tells them to "find the treasure" while mom shops. My boys love it! (they get to keep the treasure as well)

Good lighting!!!!
There is nothing worse than looking at fabric in the dark.
Enough room to get around and not trip over things.
Friendly staff.
Hours that suit the customers. Many of us work until 5 pm. So, at least one day when you are open past that time.
Good luck with your endevor.

Sample.samples, samples. Also treat everyone with a smile.

What I like?
Helpful sales staff who know what they're doing but don't hover over you like you're going to steal something.
Introduce a "notion of the week" so we get introduced to new things.
Lots of classes, and not always in the evening please.
New and rotating stock. There is not much more frustrating than seeing the same thing over, and over, and over....
Support your local guild. Either with giveaways or discounts or even assisting in the cost of bringing in speakers.
Good prices for good fabric. If what you order turns out to be inferior, get rid of it, don't sell it to us.
Be accountable and honest.
Thanks.

I was in a shop last year in a different city,most of her fabrics were dark colors,I like brights & mediums. Being with my sister,I said I didn't care for the colors in the store,was over heard by the owner who was very nice she said that she did order to her own taste & she was trying to order brighter colors,So try to have a wide range of colors in your store,good luck in your dream.I will pray for your success.

Friendly people
Case in Point-My mom and I went to a local store that is for knitters and crocheters,it opened at 10 there were people inside and we waited til 10:05 before they opened the door.We were not greeted,smiled at or anything,we walked around the store talked to eachother for at leat 10 minutes before someone actually came up to us.Was not really impressed,almost left and as we were headed back towards the front the owner asked us how we were what we were interested in,Ive worked in retail all my life since I was 18,i"m now 52 and thats how NOT to treat customers

I like personal service, a smile, having coffee available certainly says " come in and look around". If I have been in yr store numerous time, it is nice if you call me by my first name!
A newsletter is cool! A few classes are always great! I hope you have a wonderful time opening yr store, and if I am in yr area, I would love to stop in!

My I can agree with all of this thread! My LQS offers all the good stuff, it is a joy to just walk in the shop and have someone say "Hi how are you doing today". Dropping the name here is good, Quilt n' Sew in Katy, Texas. They even posted an apology letter in their newsletter about the rising cost of 100% cottons and how they will hold the prices as long as they can. Just giving everyone fare warning.

I'm one with health issues & my answer to crowded bolts etc on bottom shelves is too not go back.They give me no choice.

"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."

I agree with most of the comments so far. I'm one of the full time workers who would like to see later hours at least one day a week, and the closed on Sundays/Mondays that seems to be the norm is not great for those who work either. I realize the owners/workers need days off too, but retailers would do quite a bit of business on Sunday. The shop I visit most often in a nearby town is crowded, but it does have a great selection.

You might want to look to a previous discussion that was last week or the week before on ways to improve sales in this economy. Diane/Wyoming

Oh, the one closest to me is AWESOME. They have friendly ladies, and there is ALWYS something new there. Of course, its bad in a way, I always need a little of the new stuff, lol. Its big, bright and cheerful.
The other one near by has really great prices, and the ladies there are really nice too.

I have heard alot of people mention lighting. When our LQS moved into her space from another one of the first things she did was replace all the flourescent bulbs with the true color ones that mimic natural lighting. Diane/Wyoming

I second (or third) those who say be nice to my dear Hubby. I won't go back to places that give my man a hairy eyeball.

Naturally, be nice. Smile. Try to remember our names. And no, we can't all afford expensive machines, kits, etc. Small sales sometimes lead to big sales, or even better yet, good PR. Quilters all talk to each other and will share stories about good stores and bad (rude) stores.

Good luck!!!

I just thought of something regarding the days off business. With the economy being what it is and with so many people looking for work, I would think it would be advantageous to be open EVERY day, with rotating staff. I would think the increase in sales would more than make up for the increased overhead. Slow days can be addressed by having a really good bargain on those days.

I totally agree with what everyone has said to this point but I just wanted to emphasize the sample thing.... I have looked at so many patterns and the photo on the outside just doesn't do it just at all. Yet I see a sample hanging on the wall with maybe cuter fabric and suddenly, I want to purchase the pattern. That is a huge thing for me. And --- nothing worse than employees who are not friendly.

Classes and employees that can answer questions...because I am learning and have lots of questions ☺ Oh how I hope you are coming to my town!!

A "husband's corner" with comfy chairs and a TV.

That is such a cool idea. Would work for any combination of significant others too (Mother's Day, Anniversary, GF Bday, etc.)... I may mention this to one of my LQS's (the friendly shoppe of course).

Another idea that might be neat, depending on how much space a store has... is create displays that incorporate antique sewing things: old treadles of course... but things like old sewing 'birds', vintage feedsack quilts, old quilt books, Featherweights, etc. Might be hard to do if there's a problem with thefts (I cannot imagine folks stealing from a quilt store!).

I went to a LQS when traveling through Mid MO. I was greeted at the door by an employee with a sale flyer and a tour of the shop when I told her I had not been there before. It was great. I spent $100 that day.

One thing NOT to do- I hate seeing the owner of my LQS because when I have a problem (I'm a quilting newbie who bought a very expensive machine from her), her first response is always something about did I use "cheap" materials. I don't buy much from Joann's, etc, but I can't believe everything they sell is awful. I also asked one time for a Moda fabric and when I expressed surprise that she didn't carry Moda because most shops do, she put her nose in the air and said "That's why I don't!" I have to drive a lot further to get to other shops, but needless to say, that's what I do!

I had a similar experience with a new for me LQS. My DDIL & I walked in and the co-owner greeted us and asked if we had ever been in before. When we said no, she then told us where everything was and how they were laid out. Then said she would leave us to browse and call if we had any questions. She later demonstrated a marking pencil I had not seen before. Of course we bought stuff. Then she said I looked very familiar to her, I felt the same about her. Then before Christmas I went in again to get more of a fabric I liked. In the process of cutting my fabric it came out that I used to work at Joann's 10 years ago. She shouted, "That's where I know you from! You used to help me with home dec fabric!" If her store wasn't out of the way for me, I would be in there more often. Guess that's a good thing (for me) :roll:

All of these plus - a straight and generous cut. Don't send me home to find out I lost an inch because someone cut crooked.

Well it looks like the most common reply is friendly, happy, non-snooty employees. All the LQS here the ladies are not very nice unless you are a regular.

Classes for those of us who work during the week and having them be affordable. Since we will more than likely be buying our material from the shop the class needs to be a reasonable cost.
Most of the LQS classes are during the week, in the afternoon time and the class it self cost $35 on up. This is why I learned to quilt from taking classes at Joann's and continue to go there because everybody is nice. I mostly go to the quilt social classes which are only $10 for 2 hours.

A bargin/sale area with the prices clearly marked. One of the shops here has a small back room that has all of their clearance/end of bolt but none of it is marked. So even though I saw something I wanted I didn't buy it because it was not marked.

I have worked retail most of my working years and if you get it out, mark it clearly and put it up front they will buy it weather they need it or not. Want something gone, mark it down.

Maybe one day a month you could honor other retailers coupons, I know being a small shop you could not do it daily. Or have your own coupons.

Good luck and remember customer service is first, greet "everyone" with a smile.

P.S. If you do open the shop, you do know you will have to come out of hiding so those who are in your area can come. (hahaha)

I used to work at the LQS. The biggest thing is a friendly and knowledgable staff. The staff has to know how to do may different techniques and be friendly while explaining it to the customer. Samples help sell kits and fabric but have a variety of samples like a stained glass wall hanging, and throw size quilts in a variety of fabrics and pattern and skill levels. Have some in curves and some simple straight lines. You will have a variety of skill levels for seamstresses. Classes are always good. Offer several in different skill levels from beginner to advanced.

wow... thanks Ramona! Amazing things we find at estate sales. Yeah! I'd love to repurpose (update) some vintage clothing I have.

To everyone else: wow. What a lot of ideas! Great ones! I'm loving this thread, and I'm not a store owner (sounds like fun though!)

My LQS is great. The 2 owners and other staff are all super friendly and helpful, not pushey. They don't follow you around, but from time to time, say something such as, "are you finding everything okay?" They are open until 8 PM every Tuesday night, to give people who work outside their homes, a week night to shop. They offer numerous interesting classes and not just beginning quilting. Every Thursday is "Designing Women" day. You can bring your machine, quilting projects, crocheting, hand embroidery, or anything you are working on, and sit and work/visit all day. Or you can just go in and visit without working on anything. They have a quilting club that meets once monthly. They have a bi-annual weekend quilting retreat. Not too far from home but far enough, people spend the weekend there. They try, and succeed, in keeping something interesting going on all the time. Sales corner, lots of beautiful quilts hanging throughout the store. My favorite is the huge table in the middle of one area, that is full of big baskets with jelly rolls and fat quarters, all organized and color coordinated. It is so easy to look over these and find something appealing to buy. Good luck with your shop.