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I'm going to open a can of worms, here. We're looking into opening a small quilt shop in our small town. In a nutshell, can you quilters tell me what are your likes/dislikes? Thanks!
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friendly employees, lots of classes, clearance section, fat quarters 25 for $30.00 one of the quilt shops I go to has them on sale the 25th of each month
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business that do not keep regular hours....unless an emergency( bad weather, illness, broken furance etc...) comes up, a business should keep regular hours that are posted on the door. as a shopper, there is nothing worse than going to a LQS and finding they closed 30 minutes early....grrrrrrrrrr
jodi in leavenworth |
I like the one on one service but not the stuck up snob who is there because she needs a hobby but no a job. The one who will do her own thing and ignore the customer. The classes that are useful not just what some think we want. Classes like how to actually use FMQ not stitch in the ditch.
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Lots and lots of sewn samples
Cheerful faces' Kits Good assortment of patterns and tools Carts |
There is an LQS where if the owner is in there she always has to conplain about lack of money one time. Don't even go there any more. Hate snotty workers. Just because I'm wearing a ball cap and sweats doesn't mean I can't afford to be there... Maybe I'm just relaxing or in a hurry.
What I like to hear is laughter, helpful tips, classes at all hours of the day and on weekends. Later hours a day or 2 a week. The $5/yard corner too! My favorite that I see a lot is a couple of chairs by a window or the front door for husbands that get bored. Mine doesn't because he's too busy helping me pick things out and carrying bolts. :) |
Friendliness to younger people, or those that you might not expect to be quilters! I hate walking into a quilt store, and being stared at by the older women like I'm some kind of freak.
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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! |
Originally Posted by rivka
Friendliness to younger people, or those that you might not expect to be quilters! I hate walking into a quilt store, and being stared at by the older women like I'm some kind of freak.
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My husband says, a 10% discount for every quilter that drags their "significant other" to the store!
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Soft background music, this seems to put me in a buying mood.
Actually ASKING for ideas in the shop as to what we want and what kind of classes. I am 77 years old and love to make my own clothes, but it is difficult to measure myself. I would gladly pay 40 or more dollars for a private half hour of accurate measuring. I even have a book that tells far more than any other one how to and where to measure. I'd give that book (after they used it on me) to any LQS that had such a service. And in doing so, I'd have to search the store for pretty fabrics for my clothing, since I don't want to spend all that time on just cheapie fabrics. And of course I'll most likely see masses of other materials that would make lovely quilts that I just have to have. And if possible, an enclosed area where shoppers can park their kids to watch TV while Mommy or Daddy is looking at fabrics and notions. This I'll admit I've never seen anywhere except in doctor's waiting rooms and some auto repair shops. |
Originally Posted by rivka
Friendliness to younger people, or those that you might not expect to be quilters! I hate walking into a quilt store, and being stared at by the older women like I'm some kind of freak.
The BEST place I like to go, is in another STATE and I go there when ever I can. They haven't forgotton me, and always have a broad smile and family chit chat when I show up. I feel like part of their family! |
I like to be able to see all of the fabric easily. The shop near where my parents live has a lot of fabric but half of it is leaned in stacks that are hard to access.
I |
Originally Posted by Ramona Byrd
Soft background music, this seems to put me in a buying mood.
I am 77 years old and love to make my own clothes, but it is difficult to measure myself. I would gladly pay 40 or more dollars for a private half hour of accurate measuring. I even have a book that tells far more than any other one how to and where to measure. I'd give that book (after they used it on me) to any LQS that had such a service. And in doing so, I'd have to search the store for pretty fabrics for my clothing, since I don't want to spend all that time on just cheapie fabrics. And of course I'll most likely see masses of other materials that would make lovely quilts that I just have to have. |
Our LQS has a monthy "tea". No charge time to get together. The owner shows us the new things in the shop, samples for upcoming classes and tells about other things going on in the community (charities that need our help, etc.). Then it is time for show and tell. Everyone who brings a show and tell item is entered in a drawing for a door prize. She has the tea in the AM and PM the same day each month. Remember the longer you can keep people in your store the more they will spend. On Tea day the cash register is going non-stop. They are also very good at remembering names of customers.
Pat |
On the main I agree with everything that's already been said - having friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and non-judgmental staff is key!
I also need a shop that stays open late at least a couple times a week; I'm SO fortunate that my favorite LQS is right across the street from my office, but many working folks would never have a chance to get there because they close at five. (All the LQSs in town do. Boo.) Good fabric organization and steady turnover in the FQ bin are also helpful. I LOVE walking into the shop to see one of the women working on a quilt! The owner and salespersons in my LQS all quilt, and when they aren't busy helping customers they're working on their own projects, or on things for other clients. It is so great to be cared for by someone who just stood up from a sewing machine. :) |
Ah Ramona... can you tell us what the name of that book is? I would love to find a copy for myself. I'm only 46 and new to sewing/quilting, so if someone such as yourself tells me about a REALLY good thing... I want it! Please tell us... thank you![/quote]
------------------------------------------------------ It's called FANTASTIC FIT FOR EVERY BODY, by Gail Hazen. How to alter patterns to flatter any figure. And the author shows her own body in a bathing suit kind of underwear so as to show that ANYONE can make clothes that fit and flatter. She is proud of herself, though she must have passed the 200 number some years before. She goes into fitting a pattern to YOUR body and how to measure it and what kind of pattern to get, how to alter it and what kind of fabric to choose and what neckline, etc. Marvelous book. I forgot where I got it, had put it away for later but when I started reading it I realized what a prize I'd gotten. I think I got it in an estate sale. |
Friendly, happy to help salespersons. Classes for seasonal wall hangings, table runners or toppers for quilters who have neither time or $$$ for bed quilts every month. Project kits are also great. Please consider hours of op. 9 to 5 are hours a lot of people work. Maybe 11 am to 7 pm?
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Friendly, helpful, but not hovering. Well stocked but not crowded. Variety. Classes with well organized,prepared instructors.
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Don't have the bolts so close together and tight on the shelf you can't easily tilt one out for a better look!
Make sure all employees know what you have and where it is. I love it when I ask for something such as tree fabric and they take me right there. |
My favorite LQS does have a corner for the little ones to play...... I don't have little ones anymore but I love to see them happy playing while mamma shops.
Also, having a place to display customer's finished quilts is wonderful. Quilters love to have others see their work and who else can appreciate the work that goes into a quilt? Having a day or evening for open quilting for a small fee ($5 is what our LQS charges) allows quilters to gather and meet others that share their hobby. People coming in the shop get to see what others are working on as well..... gets them in the mood to buy fabric and get started on something they've seen. |
It might make a difference in the things you offer according to what part of the USA you're in, and if the LQS will be located in a large, medium, or small town.
In a rural town, it's normal to find most stores having "flexible" hours - which is difficult for a city person to get used to. The location has to be chosen based on the customer base you want - and convenience for that market. Have you done a business plan and finished market research yet? |
If it's not been said before, staying open past 3 or 4 PM, and have weekend hours. I work full time, tutor and have a 2 year old. I can't make it to one of the LQS's by me because they open at 10 or 11AM and close at 3 or 4. Only if I have a day off (summertime) can I get there.
Be friendly! I took my then 18 month old daughter in and the woman behind the counter told me that if she got loud I'd have to leave. I was the only person in the store! And all my daughter did was say "Mommy pretties" and pointed to fabrics. Have some free sew-ins. The same LQS I mentioned above charges $30 to come and sew for 2 hours if you bring a "pre-approved" machine. Otherwise you have to rent one of theirs and it's ridiculous. |
funny u should ask, went into LQS today,(I spend alot of money here!)and as USUAL the shop clerk treated me terrible, ignored me for 15 min at least, just talking to the ladies at the sewing tables about her projects and remodeling her kitchen. Some one else came in,(older and dressed up ) she waited on them, cutting their fabric. The whole time I was standing at counter holding my 30's print.After she checked them out, she finally ask if thats all I wanted, very rudly! The owner of the shop is really nice but I almost told this clerk where she could put the fabric! but I really needd the print for my new project. This woman treats me really crappy everytime I go in unless the owner is there. I live in a small town, do not think I should have to dress up to run to the LQS. I was dressed up today, I think the woman is a B*$#@h and I don't think I'm going back. it is just 10 more miles to bigger city. So to answer ur question, I would like to be treated politely, thats it, cut my fabric, take my money.
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sorry, still so mad made a double entry lol.
good lighting. |
Oh, goodness. :thumbup:
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I think those who wait on the customers need to be friendly and helpful, but not overbearing. There's a convenience store I often go to buy soda. I always go to the same one, even if it's out of my way. The couple that owns it just make it such a nice experience, that I love just going to see them. They know how to make the right amount of small talk, and just make my day more pleasant.
Also, do quilting stores ever honor competitors' coupons? I've seen donuts shops do that, I don't know if that's possible for quilting shops. Good luck on starting your quilting shop! |
My quilt shop keeps a tab on how much fabric I purchase. Once I have spent $200 dollars, I receive a $20.00 gift certificate to buy (you guessed it) more fabric!
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Originally Posted by Texasjunebug
It might make a difference in the things you offer according to what part of the USA you're in, and if the LQS will be located in a large, medium, or small town.
In a rural town, it's normal to find most stores having "flexible" hours - which is difficult for a city person to get used to. The location has to be chosen based on the customer base you want - and convenience for that market. Have you done a business plan and finished market research yet? |
Oh.. ask your frequent and good customers (those who always bring in WIPs or completed quilts to show off) if they'd like to make samples for the shop. I overheard one of the workers complaining that she didn't want to make this one pattern, because it wasn't her style (but it was mine) and I said that I'd do it, but she said "no, we'd have to pay you" The owner (luckily) was there and said that if I'd do the top she'd give me 5 or 6 yards of fabric as payment. They quilted it, not me, and it's their top, with my name as a piecer. But of course I brought in my friends and family to see the top I made. And they spent money.
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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.
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I would LOVE to piece samples and get paid with fabric!!
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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!!!
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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.
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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.
Originally Posted by pattypurple
Our LQS has a monthy "tea". No charge time to get together. The owner shows us the new things in the shop, samples for upcoming classes and tells about other things going on in the community (charities that need our help, etc.). Then it is time for show and tell. Everyone who brings a show and tell item is entered in a drawing for a door prize. She has the tea in the AM and PM the same day each month. Remember the longer you can keep people in your store the more they will spend. On Tea day the cash register is going non-stop. They are also very good at remembering names of customers.
Pat |
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
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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!
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