I realize that there is theft everywhere - even a quilt shop - but don't treat every customer that walks in the door as a criminal... I had one clerk shadow me the whole time I was in the store - I looked up from looking at templates on a rack and her face was only inches from mine! (granted that store had had thefts - whole bolts! but I wasn't the one that did it)

FRIENDLY staff - don't be asking in a snotty tone "what are you going to use THIS for?", or "have you sewn up all that fabric you bought last time?", or the staff that just stares at you - you know, *I* am the one walking into the store with $$ to spend - *I* am NOT the one working behind the counter - so don't be snooty!!

I love going in a quilt shop with friendly FUN people - who have no problem with you going into the mark-down section...
We went into "Wish Upon a Quilt" in Raleigh North Carolina and that place was GREAT - even tho it was the one and only time I was in the place, everyone was friendly, no problems with me going bananas in the markdown room (LOL), helped me look for other stuff, totally understood my need for some wild stuff.... you get the idea...

One time I may spend a lot, the next time nothing or very little - it depends on what's on the markdown, what I just HAVE to have, etc....

After you've been open awhile make sure you acknowledge the customers who come back .... don't act like it's somebody you've never laid eyes on - we quit going to one of the local pharmacies here in this small town because everytime we went in there they acted like we were a menace to society or something - in stark contrast to another pharmacy where the folks are just plain FRIENDLY - and guess which gets our business..

A friendly hello when you walk in and then let you browse and not be followed like you are going to steal the bolt and run. Ask what type of classes people would like. Have a variety of fabric, not just brights or reproductions, but a good mixture unless you specialize in one type then that will limit your customer base. someone willing to answer questions if you have problems. Open sew time. Maybe a punch card for a free amount after spending so much.
good luck to you

So many great ideas from everyone, I like a shop or store to well lite, not drab dark feeling. Some shops you need to bring a light.

I would LOVE to piece samples and get paid with fabric!!

Oh, you have All been great! So many good ideas. I am new to quilting, therefore I don't have too much knowledge to offer customers. But I do love to make people feel special, and see them enjoy their time in the shop. Between my computer savy hubby, expert quilter cousin, and myself, I'm hoping we can get this off the ground one day! I'm still open to your likes/dislikes!!!

I love to see samples that are not traditional quilts made with blocks or with traditional fabrics. Looking at the unusual makes me feel much more creative, and even if I end up making blocks I feel that I choose my fabric better by having seen the unusual. Unless the usual is representing a kit that is being pushed or a block that is being taught then I think that unusual samples, especially whole quilts make the LQS much more interesting. And clerks that understand the unusual seem to know more, relate to people better and offer more helpful hints. I especially like it when the clerk offers to show me new templates, notions, etc that have come in. That's like offering candy to a child. A good LQS is really a toy shop for me. And like most people, I don't think of myself and my quilting as usual (maybe not even normal) and I definitely want to be noticed, chatted with, offered a coke (even at my own expense) a chair to sit in to rest up so I can shop longer - it's a social occasion when it's at its best! And at it's best the store makes a good profit from me.

Being friendly is great however, when someone comes in at lunch just to pick up something quick, don't follow them to the door talking if you are slow....makes me dread going in at lunch knowing I'll probably be late getting back to work.

Don't offer your classes just during the day because many of us have to work too. I'd really like to take an early bird class sometime because the rest of the day is so hectic it would be nice to be creative to start off with.

I think this is a wonderful idea! Friendliness is always desirable.

good topic, just today I went to the LQS and the sign on the door said "closed due to weather", weather? the sun was shinning in the middle of winter in michigan. I figure they might be skiers. And the other thing that gets me is when you are looking for something very specific and see it in one of the quilts hanging on the wall, ask about it and they say "oh, we dont have that any more". Likes, my LQS cuts by the inch, love that

Words of encouragement! A friendly staff will bring customers in. If a quilter is looking for a tool that you don't carry, offer to help them find it. I will go to a store that costs a bit more if the service is good and the staff is friendly. Good luck!