1. Super people. I went in today with a UFO, needing to match a piece of fabric I was short of (due to my own mistake). Didn't think they would have it as I started this 1-1/2 years ago. They didn't, but a salesperson thought she might have some in her stash at home. She went home, found some, called me and just gave it to me, no charge. That's service.
2. A Bernina dealer 15 min from my home where I can get service.
3. They taught me to quilt with their classes.
4. They let me use their classroom to lay out a quilt (when they're not busy).
5. They arrange shop hops so I can see other stores.
6. They answer questions and help solve problems, even when I don't buy anything.
7. They have great material and will spend as much time as you need helping you to find just the right fabric, even though you pull out dozens of bolts.
8. I count them as friends.

I agree with all your reasons and add one more...it's a place I can go to see those friends and where I don't have to spend money to have a good time (tho I usually do spend money!).

I feel the same way and shop in my LQS as much as I can.

I feel the same as well. Plus I frequently run into my other quilter friends and acquaintences while there.

You are lucky to have a place like that.

I want their clones to come start one near me!!!

I would love to shop at my lqs but she has had this shop open for 3 years and in that time she has got in 5 new fabrics. She doesn't have much of a choice anyway and it doesn't take long to have all the fabric from her shop that a person wants.She doesn't have much business anymore. Thank goodness Rutledge(a mennonite store) and Cantril (another mennonite store) are only about 45 min. away. They have quality fabrics and lots of it at a good price.

My LQS, Lavender Lime Quilting in Chattanooga, is so AWESOME! They are almost like family. Their staff is helpful, and if they don't know the answer to my question, they will help find the answer! The only problem as far as I am concerned is that they are Bernina dealers and I am a Babylock and Janome fan! However, their service person works on ALL brands so am thankful for that.

My Walmart sales person did this for me when I was short of fabric and went to get more it was gone I told her what I was looking for and she that she had bought the last of the bolt The next day she had it there for me. I did pay her for it although she didn't ask to be paid. She is a sweet heart always asks what I am making and asks me to bring it in and show her. I have no LQS anywhere within 50 miles of me.

You are lucky to have a great LQS. The few that have been in my town, let's just say a trip to JoAnns or Hancock's Fabrics were better places to shop.