I agree, I could go elsewhere and be treated nicely...so I would certainly go elsewhere. But I would also probably write the store owner a letter and explain what happened and how it made me feel after a bit of a cooling off period. I would tell them that except for being treated carelessly and unprofessionally I thought I liked what I saw of the store and what a shame it is to lose someone who could have and should have been a customer for life. Who knows maybe they will put that employee in her place and reach out to you in some way to hopefully win you back over. How an owner handles something like this would speak volumes to me, and I'm sure you would both appreciate the opportunity to set things right. JMHO.

I am not sure boycotts are worth a dime, and probably will cause you more trouble than the boycott-ee, no matter how egregious the treatment. Alert the ownership, but don't go home and pout.

If I find a fabric that I really like but do not know what I would use it for more often than not I will purchase at least enough to have the details in the selvage. I figure there is always hexagons o a crazy quilt it will work in. If nothing else there is always pot holders or small items it will work in. If it is from a shop that I do not go to often I will make a note of the shop to pin to it.

This is just not happening in quilt shops ,it's affecting many smaller stores. If you want to research go on line and when you are ready to buy then go to the store. It's really hard for small businesses to make it now a days with all the on
Line shoppers

Years ago, I used to do some craft shows and consignment stalls. I couldn't believe how many people would come by snap, a picture and say they were sure they could make it themselves at home...I actually heard them saying that....tsk tsk......I think in a quilt shop, I would first ask the salesperson if she/he would mind and explain why I was doing it......If that person says no, then I probably wouldn't go back but I would respect the answer.....There really are too many dishonest people out there.

Is it true that it's not cheaper to buy online because of high shipping costs attached to the fabric.... and that the online appeal is convenience and you can search and find a lot more? Love my LQS's!

I usually ask first BUT attitude is everything and I quit frequenting a LQS because of snotty attitude of owner and staff on more than one occasion. I will travel out of my way rather than be mistreated.

I am not sure if my thoughts are age related (under 50), Nationality related (Canadian) or due to having been a retailer in the past (not fabric).

I would never consider taking a photo in any retail (private) establishment without first asking permission. I am working on my son's graduation quilt (yes, yes he graduated a year ago, but it is coming along) and was buying fabrics in a LQS. I was buying based on colour, but had not chosen a pattern yet.

The clerk showed me a quilt that was made with fabric and a pattern they sell, but they had modified the border. I asked if I could take a photo of the border, so I would remember how it was done. I was given permission and took the photo. It would not have crossed my mind to just take the picture.

The old adage that "The Customer is Always Right" is bunk. I am sorry if you believe that, but it is not true. I have dealt with verbal and sexual harassment from customers. I have been treated with incredible rudeness and had to smile my way through it. Remember when men thought it was Okay to pat the bottom of a waitress? That is not so long ago and it still happens every day.

I was so happy the day I was given permission to fire a customer and ban her from my workplace.

Yes, there may have been a misunderstanding between the Op and the store clerk. I do not know that either of them handled it well.

But the assumption of many here that, as a shopper or browser, you have the right in a private business to photograph their stock is a bit much. You may feel you have a really good reason to do so, but it is private property and stays that way until you make a purchase and take it out of the store.

At the big quilt show, I looked for signs to say if photos were allowed or not. I did not see any posted, but still asked at the information desk to make sure it was okay. Yes lots of other people were taking photos, but I was not going to unless it was explicitly allowed.

I have seen posts on this very site complaining that a person's quilt has been posted on Pinterest and that is after she posted a photo of it on the very public Internet.

I am sorry if I hurt your feelings, but, I see her point, but she could have approached you in a different manner, but, I asked my LQS if I could take a pic before I took it upon my self and was told no and the reasons were the same as this ladies....sorry this happened to you though, really not a good way to win repeat customers.

I don't understand why the original poster is having the blame put on her. She wasn't out to hurt the business in any fashion. The store should be ashamed of its behavior. Never should a lqs treat you poorly. WE (the customers) keep businesses alive. That is why good worth of mouth is so important. Because imagine if she had had a great experience. She would have told us all about it and we may have strived to go to that particular store if we could. Instead we are left with the fact that there are several terrible quilt shops. I would not frequent the one where the customer was treated like a potential theif. I would not shop where bolt info is marked out. That tells me they are hiding something. Trying to sell seconds or hide the real brand. This entire conversation has let me thankful for my LQS. They are nice and professional.