Since Walmart closed their fabric department, ( only a little of the prepackaged), I do most of my shopping either online or at Joann's if i got out of town. there is nothing else available where I live. The closest Joann's is 120 mile round trip. Only one LQS and way to expensive for me.

I'm so surprised at such a short time! In the western NY area, thinking back over 20 years or so, there are four shops that have been in business all that time (or nearly so)... one new startup this year, two that have disappeared and one that merged with a sewing machine dealer.

So I guess here we have been bucking the trend, successfully.

In contrast: we used to have three fabric chains, one stayed, two closed, one more came, and of course you all know the Wal-Mart story.

Maybe this is an LQS-friendly area?