Is San Dimas anywhere near Huntington Beach? I have a quilting cousin there who would be among the first on line when you open.

Customer service/friendly attitude is more important than a huge inventory. I will drop some serious bucks when in a shop that has a welcomming, intrested in helping me 'tude.

I usually go for fun bright colors like blues with stars, little princess patterns, hot chilies and tea cups.... My problem is (you've probably got a term for it) is the secondary colors, fabrics that frame those primary patterns...mottled yellows and blues, whites and off-whites that give the bright ones true definition, and are still strong. Make sense?

I like a store that have coordinating fabrics. To me nothing is more frustrating to find the perfect fabric for your project and then not be able to find anything to go with it. I can't tell you how many times I have passed on a fabric that I loved because I couldn't find anything to go with it.

Good luck with your new store.

Hugs, Gail

ditto

it's the type of fabric you carry that's important. If you haven't already - do a little MR in your local community. E.g. - they like small motifs, large flowers, Asian, panels, batiks, novelties, repros, whatever. It doesn't matter what we on the Board like unless we live in your town.

If you have local guilds, distribute an inclusive list asking them to rate # 1 thru #3 their favorite type of fabric.
Have a quilt made and displayed of new fabrics (pay someone to do it if you haven't time) And, if you do this make sure you have sufficient supply of the fabrics used in it. To my amazement I learned from a friend who worked in a shop that customers wanted exactly the fabrics used in the quilt. Singular lack of imagination - but there you go.

I rarely shop in one of my LQS; he carries fabric that I find boring. However, he does very good business because it sells well here. As they said in The Music Man - you gotta know the territory.
Good luck - make it happen!

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Are you opening a LQS in San Dimas????? I am VERY excited! Where? What is the name of your shop?? I will find you!!! :lol:[/quote]

PM me with you email address. The name of the shop will be: Beautiful Quilt Fabric AKA beautifulquiltfabric.com....in about five weeks. It will be in downtown San Dimas, two spots are still being debated with landlords.

Huntington Beach is about 1 hr and 15 minutes from me.

I am into brights and contemporary fabrics. Best wishes foryour success.

Don't for Blenders.

A variety of White on White, off white, cream.
Darks, brown, black, navy
All brights ( for the Kaffe Fasset crowd)
Large Prints for the Amy Butler/Michael Miller bunch-Great for clothing, purses, totes as well as quilts
Pastels
Novelty -Kid Prints
Batiks
I really didn't answer your color question. You are very safe with a variety of Greens, bright to muted, used alot in applique.
Purple, violet are the hardest to find.
Don't like burnt orange, though I attended the U of Texas-Austin
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW STORE. Let us know if you are selling online.
D in TX

Lady Diana is one sharp chica! I would love to shop @ HER store!