I used to go to a couple of stores like this, one in Medford MA and one in central MA. Lots of fun, you never knew what you would find. The first one had seconds of Vera fabrics among other things.

There's a store in my area that sells older fabrics. She has no notions of any kind or anything else other fabric stores have. The absolutely only thing she has is fabric. The last time I was in there the fabric was $2 a yard for solids and $3 a yard for prints. Most of the fabrics are decent brands but not the top brands. I haven't been in there for 2 or 3 years now and I don't think most of my friends shop there either.

The Mill end in our area began with really good prices, but now their prices are not that great.

Wait a minute! Shut the front door!

I live right down the street (no joke) from this place and didn't know it was there! THANK YOU FOR POSTING. :):):)

Yes I would shop there. Typically, I like collections so I grab precut collections when I have to have the fabric but don't know what to do with it yet. But if I need to add to something that I already have like for a border or a backing, I want it to be cheap...excellent quality and cheap. Shopping online works well for me...if online vs. brick and mortar is an option.

I know a couple that sells 5 yard quilt kits. Buys from the wholesalers in the midwest and repackages. There are great wholesale deals. Visited Choice Fabric in Tenn. and was blown away. This couple sells at quilt shows and opened a retail outlet that is open when they are in town.

I would probably not drive to an outlet but if close I would check them out. However, I have been able to acquire a great stash from garage sales and estate sales at pennies on the dollar. It would be a risky operation.

South Carolina used to have a jillion places you could buy fabric by the pound...and I loved them! But...they all phased out about the same time (20 or so years ago) and we only have a place or two left that sells like that now. And they're not close to where I live and, as far as I know, don't have an Internet presence. So that tells me that maybe that idea has been gone long enough to be re-surfacing again, maybe? I think your idea is a good one; but you do have some competition in NC, particularly through Mary Jo's in ?Gastonia...do your research carefully, you may be on to something.
Good luck!

Thanks for all your input. I value your opinions and thoughts, and will take everything you've said into consideration for my "maybe".

That's what I do now.

In Minnesota and maybe a couple of the surrounding states, there is a store called Mill End Textiles. They sell end lots, mismarks, etc., and they have a heavenly area of batiks. This store is where I fell in love with batiks. They will have a table with literally hundreds of fabrics--unfortunately they are not broken up by color--and if you dig you can find some great deals. I have gotten Jinny Beyer, lots of Benartex, RJR, and others. Also, if you are looking for a few yards, and there is a mistake in the print, they will cut it there, and then get your yardage. I have purchased fat quarters--lots of fat quarters. And their muslin--Roclon which is what is in the rest of the stores--is something like $4.00 a yard. Which means you can get it for $2.00 a yard with a coupon. I say, go for it!

Anita in Northfield, MN

I would definitely shop there..I am on dissability, so any way to keep my quilting affordable is good to me!!