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If you have a JoAnn's or Hancock's in your area I wouldn't bother with cheap fabric or standard rulers. People will tell you that's what they want and the turn around and go buy it at JoAnn's. I would stock specialty rulers, specialty machine needles, and top quality threads.
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free coffee, I'm there long enough to enjoy a cup. lol
my LQS has a large rustic looking table in the middle of the store with chairs all around, you can go there and just sit down with the owner or one of the workers and just talk about anything. Love them guys. Tomorrows Treasures Quilt Shop in New Baltimore, MI |
I just love it when I go to a store and they have a collection of every (or at least 1 colorway) fabric in the collection of "adorable/can't live without" fabrics.
I like to be able to find a decent selection of 108" fabrics and be able to buy batting bty. I love the square carts that my LQS has to use to match up fabrics. I really like to be inspired! Show me! When I walk into the store, I love to see the current season of fabric displayed. |
Patterns from local designers. Lots of samples on the wall, and PLEASE don't put up ones that haven't been quilted yet. I know it's easier to make and store tops, but I want to see actual quilts. I'm a value shopper - don't care if it's this season's fabric or not, if the price is good. A place for the DH to sit so he can wait PATIENTLY is always nice. Good lighting is a must. If there's room, small shopping carts are nice and might encourage people to buy more.
You will have a wonderful store, because you are already attuned to the customer's wishes. |
I love the idea of a quilt day to finish projects, get help etc for a nominal fee.
It's always fun and helpful! |
Originally Posted by cedarvalleyquilts
While I know what I'd like to see in my quilt store, I thought I'd ask everyone here. What do you like to see in a quilt store? I've been reading the posts about the "dream store" and have decided I will have a clearance section and do discounts, will do some type of customer appreciation discount (whether punch card or whatnot). There will be antique sewing machine service/repair offered. There will be a Fun Quilter for rent in the store so customers can finish their projects if they so desire. There will be classes offered. And, of course, high quality fabric and notions.
I want to have as wide a variety of fabrics/notions/threads as possible to appeal to as many tastes as possible. I know what my preferences are, but what are yours? Particular designers you love/hate? Certain notions that you wish your LQS would stock but doesn't? Fabric lines/threads/notions that are a "must have?" What types of patterns/books/magazines do you like to look for in a shop? Everyone has different tastes and preferences, but what have you wished that your local shop carried but doesn't? I want to make my shop as customer-driven as possible, both in customer service and the inventory I have. Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated...thanks in advance for the input! Chris Makes all the difference that they are willing to keep stock moving. I hate that I went to 2 shops recently and they don't them? huh? Stale stock too. Quilter's want lots of choices and new fabrics. If you go to the LQS and it is not be rotated and moved, we get bored and go elsewhere. |
Great Lighting. One of the LQS by me has the worst lighting. In order to really see the fabric true colors you have to go outside ( that hoping its good weather) , or right by the door.
I once went to a really need shop that had fabric and pie , now that was a great combination. It was half fabric half pie shop. They had great pie and great fabric. |
DITTO Jim's idea about the pattern -- and lots of color ideas for the pattern. Light colored fabrics which seem to be slim pickings sometimes. Solids to go with your florals and/or patterned fabrics. 108" wide backings in a variety of basic colors. Oh my, I could go on and on. Wish I lived in Iowa so I could see the shop!
Originally Posted by Jim's Gem
Lots and Lots of samples on the walls and all over the place so we can see what a pattern looks like all made up.
And on the sample, the name of the pattern and where to find it. Maybe also the fabric line used to make it. |
Originally Posted by Lori S
Great Lighting. One of the LQS by me has the worst lighting. In order to really see the fabric true colors you have to go outside ( that hoping its good weather) , or right by the door.
I once went to a really need shop that had fabric and pie , now that was a great combination. It was half fabric half pie shop. They had great pie and great fabric. I would also like to add that my eyesight is not so wonderful either and as I have experienced many of us struggle with this aspect when sewing. If we cannot comparatively match our fabrics, what is the purpose? |
Novelty and landscape fabrics...I do allot of scenes and it's hard to find those types of fabric...do allot of searching.
The QS I occasionally teach at offers space to teachers takes no portion, teachers are free to charge whatever only have to ck dates with owners calandar to make sure space is available. This brings in business because most will purchase materials for the classes there. They have two teas each yr for all their customers and bring in vendors, teachers to show what classes they are offering, anyone to do with sewing/quilting set up tables. They have a magazine, book area with chairs so you can find a pattern...They also trust you to take it home and brin git back when done. They send a monthly newsltr announcing the classes. They have gatherings for people on the wkends or at night so you can bring your UFO to finish and get help on if needed. They do allot of charity quilts...we all donate quilts to Project Linus, or this past winter made sqs and then put them together for the troops one wkend. I could go on...but I think your head is probably spinning at this pt.Good luck |
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