It makes you feel like a little special interest /loyalty in the shop that offers classes - like they care that extra bit about their customers to help them learn properly - kind of a little more of a binding when you need supplies, you think of that store first.
Marysewfun

This is a great suggestion because "you know" once we're their we always need or want something new.

What I would REALLY like is a class, no, single hour or so where someone would really and truly measure me for a clothing pattern. This to be done privately in a closed room, I would have to be measured over panties and bra.
I have a marvelous book on how to do it, but it must be done by someone else. I would personally be wiling to pay 50 dollars or so for a detailed pattern for MY body. I'd even supply the book for them to use for me and other customers.
And yes, I did get a dress form, got the measurements accurate, but it simply does not fit clothing I wear all the time.

And then with new inspiration I would buy the fabric for new clothes, plus whatever quilting stuff I see that I may need then or in the future.

have someone demonstrate a new technique every few hours and customers will watch and buy

good prices and a owner that cares about her customers and greets and treats them friendly

I go to People Places & Quilts in Summerville South Carolina I have never been in a shop that was so warm and friendly. I go back all the time sometimes I get a specail free lesson because I am so new. Warm friendly and quilting go together

I love this idea, I would want to participate in something like this.

Also, one of the quilt shops I go to on occasion is starting a new program where you get a discount card after purchasing so much. Her program will give a $40 discount after purchasing $400.

My first visit to Quilter's Harvest in Higginsville, MO was a memorable one. I had seen the billboard on the interstate, it was about 5 miles out of my way on visits to my daughter. I entered the shop, was met by an employee with a sales flyer and a tour of where everything in the shop was. They had a "back room" of clearance, where the biggest discount was if you bought the whole bolt. I got out of there for less than $100, took home treasures, and am looking forward to my next visit.

Offering more creative classes and at least 20% discounts
on fabric for the class and not charging for using their machines
if you are not able to bring in your machine.

I agree that if you get people involved (with classes, demos, special sales or just offering a place to sew), and they like just BEING in your shop, feel welcomed and not just as a potential sale, you'll find that when a purchase decision does come around - and it WILL, even in this economy - they will want to purchase from you. Be sure that even if you can't afford to carry huge amounts of fabric and notions, please be sure you keep up with what's going on in the quilting world, and be able to special order things for a customer, if that's possible. Good Luck!