If we listen to what is being said on this board, and how many times quilters buy using JoAnn coupons...doesn't that tell you one reason why the quilt shops are closing? How many times do I hear, I am going to use my 40% off coupon at Joann's? That is one big reason why the shops are closing. We really don't support them with notions and books like we should. Granted the fabric pricing is out of site, that hurts the shops as well but a big part of closings is due to the cheaper prices at WalMart and JoAnn's. Another example of Big Box stores running Mom and Pop out of the neighborhoods...think about it Ladies.

Crafts are very cyclical. Knitting has come and gone and come again. Our city now has three large knitting stores with one being incredibly high end. Three new fabric stores have opened in the last year. One modern fabric for quilting, one standard quilting and one high end sewing fabric. We have lost several "rural" quilt stores but it appears to have been location and the cost of gas. Our local shops are working hard at offering lots of incentives to get shoppers in the door. They are packed full at Saturday events and at their sales.

My favorite cross stitch shop closed due to rent increases and the pressure of family obligations. She had a prime spot across from the high end mall and was paying $3500 a month just for rent. It is not always about sales decreasing. It is a hard job being a business owner and can sometimes suck all the enthusiasm for the craft from the person.

In missouri the shop in Kearney is also closing. I got an email just before the beginning of the year. We also lost our little shop in LaMonte last year. But we did get a new shop, that also sells long arms that opened late last year. I guess we need to wait and see.

Seems we all know the answer by what I am reading. I agree, it is difficult and expensive to only buy at LQS. I blindly bought from my local LQS, and it also is the Baby Lock dealer here. I assumed she was giving me the best price as I was always buying notions, supplies, material, and of course my machines. But then I was shown differently by a friend, and realized I couldn't afford to pay $30 dollars more for an item I can get elsewhere. So now I shop. I have to - LQSs should carry more diversified line of fabrics, some "lesser" grade of fabrics (not the poorest, but the more reasonably priced) as well as the higher end.

Hi linhawk, I am the store that opened in San Dimas, California. We try for the very best customer service that is possible and we have an on-line store too. I am glad that you found us to be "very nice people". Come again, any time. Meredith...Beautiful Quilt Fabric, 237 W Bonita Ave San Dimas, CA...www.beautifulquiltfabric.com

"LQSs should carry more diversified line of fabrics, some "lesser" grade of fabrics (not the poorest, but the more reasonably priced) as well as the higher end.[/QUOTE]"

As a local quilt store and as an internet quilt store, this is my answer to this quote.

If you want a less grade of fabric, you have to go to Walmart or Joanne's. They have the purchasing power to pay less for the fabric than a local quilt store can. I was at market and asked one of the vendors who I know sells to Walmart and I asked them if they would sell me the fabric at the same price as they would to Walmart. They said no. Then I told them I couldn't purchase it because I would not be competitive. They didn't care.

Now the vendors who specialize in selling to LQS carry a higher quality of fabric, so if it's higher quality and costs us more, then our prices are going to be higher, but you get what you pay for. If you are spending 40 or 50 hours to make a quilt, do you really want to save $25 by purchasing cheap fabric???? Or do you want something that is better qualilty?

You make a very valid point.

I just bought some very nice fabric at my LQS this morning for $3 a yard. I'm sure it's not the latest or most up to date, but it's good colors and good quality and cute kid patterns. She is closing out lots of fabrics to make room for more. She carries the high end stuff, as well, and I do buy it sometimes. It's just nice to be able to pick up fabric for charity quilts at a good price.

You can't blame Joann's, Hancock's or even Wal Mart for the beloved LQS closing, that's ludicrous. The ECONOMY is a major factor as to why they close,some shop owners can't pay for the Obama health taxes that came out or are soon to be a reality. The latest tax hikes that went into effect on January 1st hit hard too. A lot of people who's income was slashed or those who have NO job now can't spend as they did a few years ago. If Joanns has a coupon I can use I will use it, if the LQS offered better deals maybe I would shop there on occasion. I go to the one in our small town a few times a year. It is about the only one I have been in where they actually will have a conversation with you. And they seem to do very well.

Within a 150 mile radius I have 6 LQS at my disposal. Just because it's a LQS doesn't mean that they necessarily have all quality fabric. Have had some fabric that frayed so badly I had to use fray check for fear the seam allowances would fray out before I could finish the project even though to feel them in the store they were soft, draped well and were tightly woven. I, also, question how some stores can sell quality fabric for $5.99 a yard from name manufacturers while a LQS is selling the same thing for $10.99 a yard. I believe in making a profit but there's a limit to everything.

I totally agree! Now I am lucky to be in an area with 3 LQS within 12 to 15 miles (all in opposite directions) each carry a speciality type of fabric style and or colors but also have fabric the same. Of the fabric in these LQS is starting at $5/6 a yard on sale (mostly end of bolt) and the reg. priced up to $11.99 a yard. The average prices on most bolts is apox $8.99/9.99 a yard in these shops. One of these shop has been featured in "Quilt Sampler (Better Homes and Garden) Shop hop" They all have classes, BOM and personal service. The notion in them are about the same prices as JoAnn's using the JoAnns 50% off coupon. Now I'm sure all of these LQS have reduces their make up of the fabric.

I am spoiled here in NH and have places to shop at in Maine and Florida when we visit there. One trend I've seen is that some owners are moving their shops to spaces attached to their homes to save on overhead. I'm on a fabric diet so I'm currently staying away but I will be back.

As I donot have a LQS near my home, I have to use Joann's etc..but I do make an effort to visit LQS when I travel to towns that do have them. I must say that while there are those that are very customer oriented and answer all my questions, I have come across those that , it seems to me, that find out I'm from out of town and will then totally ignore me, or give me short, curt responses to questions, so I leave without buying anything and when I do go back to those towns I avoid those shops...having said that I can understand why some of these shops are closing...I for one will not spend $50 or more dollars at a shop that doesnot appreciate my business..

Joann's fabric prices are going through the roof. I figure if I'm going to pay that kind of money to Joann's I rather spend it at a LQS. Two of three quilt shops have closed in my area in the last 6 months. Very sad.

quite often people who enjoy the quilting hobby decide they would like a shop- they open, invest huge amounts of $$ and do not have the resources to keep themselves afloat long enough to break even or ever make a profit- instead of enjoying their hobby-now they are dragged down by a job-that is long-hard hours with little to no compensation. just because we are capable of making wonderful quilts- or teaching classes- it does not mean we are (qualified) to operate a business- it takes time, resources, a real sense for business (and the education) marketing expertise,
you may find many of the successful shops are ones that are owned by business people- who may have started quilting even years after opening their store...they opened a store because they are business people with a love of textiles, or crafts, love quilts & quilters- to have a successful store the business aspect has to come first...it's unfortunate when good intentions, hopes & interest just isn't enough to keep you afloat.
i do know 2 ladies who opened a store and were open and quite busy for 7+ years---they closed simply because they were tired of being tied to the store - wanted to travel- teach- expand their interests-instead of being stuck day after day working in a retail setting...opening a store should always be very carefully researched, thought through, a good business plan in place- someone knowledgable in the business part should be involved- it's not something that should be entered into (because it would be fun) --- your hobby is fun- owning a store is no longer enjoying your hobby---it's a job! and any self-employed business owner will tell you- you put in 30 hours a day- 9 days a week! it is a full time- consuming venture-- and maybe once in a while you will have some time to make something- or do something you enjoy

I try not to spend more than I should, but yes there have been times that I have. I try to spend the dollars I have in support of the LQSs, JoAnns (our friends and neighbors work there), and a little online. I am very fortunate in my 2 LQSs Country Quilts & Bears in Clearwater and Rainbows End in Dunedin. If you are ever in our area you will be glad you visited them! So spend for what you need, when you can and spread it around if you can.:thumbup:

There is only one LQS that I know of close to me and sadly, I just can't afford to spend $10-$15 dollars per yard for quilting fabric. Most of my fabric is bought on sale at JoAnns or online though a few reasonable retailers. Its just too expensive otherwise. Especially now, with both property and income taxes going up in my area and increases to our health insurance costs.

Hi I don't come on very often but read most of all the threads. One thread is from Chasing Hawk. Read it a couple of times as she makes the most sense of it all. The middle class was not suppose to get hit. What a laugh. The small shops cannot compete with the larger ones. The problem high gas prices, taxes on payroll rent and expenses on store. And again the big manufactures of material same problem plus the price on the gas for the big trucks to deliver. They also employ many people so their cost is also high. Chasing Hawk ECONOMY is correct. By the way anyone notice food prices going up and packaging getting smaller. I guess we have to get used to the idea. Our beloved country is going down the drain.

I went to the local JoAnn's last week and suffered sticker shock from some of their prices. I realize that prices were expected to go up, but even so I was shocked. My lqs has great selections and I go when my budget allows. I cannot afford large amounts of fabric, but let the ladies know I like to spend some money with them, and they are appreciative. If I have the choice between purchasing $$12 a yd at JoAnn or my LQS, its going to the LQS.

My LQS hasn't bought any new fabric for a long time. Everyone is shopping online. Her prices are good. Someone else opened a shop in town when it's only a one shop town. It's a shame. She has new fabric because of an inheritance, but I wonder what she's going to do for more fabric. And a new shop is opening in a town over when it already has a shop. The woman was bragging on another forum about finding a town without a quilt shop and I pm'd her and told her they already had a quilt shop and she wrote me back and said that they sold sewing machines mostly. I told her they had lots of classes and very loyal customers and just received a new line of fabric. She's probably going to run them both into the ground. I refuse to buy fabric or any other quilting items at Walmart and we have no Joann's around. They are helping to close the LQSs. Buy locally and at the quilt shops. Pretty soon they will be a thing of the past and everyone will be complaining that they can't match their fabric online exactly and that Walmart and Joann's fabric is getting even worse because there will be no competition.

I think they close because they aren't business people. You have to merchandise have classes move inventory understand accounting be creative. Our LQS are booming. But they always have something going and they sell machines. I do not think it is the economy because people are still spending at joann s.

I'm sorry to hear that your quilt stores are closing.

I buy from the local one- about 2 times a year. Not a whole lot - but I'm a customer.

It is sad the lgs are closing but to be frank I think it is horrible to have to pay $20 a meter here at our lgs (Canada)I don't know many people who can afford that. The one and only time I went to the one here and asked a few questions about beginning to quilt the owner looked down her nose at me and told me if I had any questions I had to take a class before she would help me. Really put me off that store, the store closed down. I have a sneaky suspicion it may have been the lack of customer service more than the price of her fabrics. While i love to support local business it makes it close to impossible for people to keep at a hobby if they have to spend $20 or more a meter. Even on clearance the price for fabric is still $6+ a meter here. So if I want to quilt at all i can only afford most of my fabric from online sources.

I just verified with Helen's House that they are NOT closing.

I am glad someone else sees what is happening in our country. It's easy to blame the big guy, but the plain truth is those who sit up in D.C can't find a pair of scissors to cut the credit card into tiny pieces are to blame. We (working people) can barely support our families let alone any others.
I opened my box of Cherrios the other day, they got smaller......If they shrink them anymore they will be the size of pony beads....LOL

It's really bad. that most of the quilting shop is closing, due to bad economy. Anyway its because. It sooooo high the price of the fabric and the overhead (the utility, tax, rent,the employee etc....) The online sales, Joann fabric, the Walmart
they all pretty much carry a good fabric for reasonable price and having the sales and 50% sales.

Fabric, like anything else marketed to the consumer, is sold to retailers based on the size of their order. You can't buy fabric from a LQS at the same price as a big box store for the same reason that a Ring-Ding costs 99¢ at the gas station and 2/$1 at the grocery store. It's all about volume discounts. Same product, many many different prices depending on store size, store specialty, region, etc. It's all marketing and economics. And don't even get me started on where the product is manufactured...
Ultimately, though, the consumer is still a big factor, and as we've all talked about here, if we (as consumers) can get "it" cheaper somewhere else, that's where our dollars go.

As for WM...they make their own rules in this game of business, and many suppliers will tell you that WM dictates what the supplier will sell their product to WM for, not the other way around. They'll tout their business ethics from here to the moon though (rolleyes).

So, did you stock up?? Bargains??

Sandy

Sorry to hear that they have closed or are closing. I figured that once the price of fabric got so high, a lot of shops would not be able to generate enough business to stay open. It's too back because the fabric is lovely, if expensive. I am not able to buy fabric right now until I find a job, so I am trying to make do with my stash for now. But I do love to go look at fabric at quilt shows and local shops....look but don't buy. (sigh)