Looking for a fabric store mentor
 

Hi,

I'm working on opening a brick and mortar fabric store in Illinois. That's all I can say about my location, but I want to get that out of the way because I'm sure nobody wants to help a competitor. There actually aren't competitors in my area besides Jo-Ann's, which is why I want to open in the first place. People need fabric!

I am opening a fabric store with a focus on modern quilts and apparel sewing. I need to get some ballpark projections for my business plan so I can know what to expect in sales to see if I can meet my bottom line. I've been working with the Veterans SBA and the local Small Business Administration office, and they say the only way to get this information is to contact some other owners not in the area and ask for help. After all, they started out once too.

So... anyone want to help me? :) It would be appreciated. Please e-mail me.

Thanks in advance.

I know nothing about how to help you, just wanted to say good luck. Hope it works out for you.

Best of luck with this venture. I'm sorry I can't help with this request, but I live in Illinois and would love to visit your shop when you get it open!

Why don't you pick some fabric shops from, maybe Quilt Sampler or the back of a magazine and call or email them? The worst case scenario is that they tell you no----and then you try some others. I'm sure there is somebody out there who is grateful for her success and would be glad to mentor you, if you just ask.

Deb Luttrell of Stitchin Heaven in Quiltman, TX (google Stitchin Heaven) actually has a "boot camp" for shop owners. She owns a wonderful store and may be of great help to you. By all means, give her a call. Her store is five hours from my home. My Bee travels there a couple of times a year as a road trip.

Congratulations and good luck with your venture. That is a dream of mine to open a business along that lines but really it is a dream - not going to happen with me. But i do have a location picked out and a name (and my sister and friend offered to work for me for fabric instead of $$$$ - haha) i admire you for going after it. Keep us posted and I am sure you will get visitors from this site when you open it.

Call Nancy Zieman!! She loves talking to new ventures! Send her a letter, she is absolutely a wonderful person and loves helping veterans!!

I was just going to suggest her. I have read the description on her website and it sounds great. Good luck on your venture.

Subscribe to Fab Shop News and also purchase some back issues that have articles to help you. Quilt Retailer magazine is another trade magazine.
Sandy

Good luck! If you were closer to me you'd have me as a customer!