I recently went to a LQS to get some inspiration. When I walked into the shop there was no one there. I mean there was no one at the front part of the store or at the register. The door did chime when I walked in and no one came out. I went ahead and started looking around at the notions, patterns, etc. Then I heard people talking and giggling. (I was the only customer in the shop.) They wer talking about another customer who was in the shop that day and just had alot of questions. Well, I guess, from the tone in the workers voice that the customer was somewhat annoying to them because of all of the questions. I continued to walk around the shop and still no one realized that I was there. I heard on of the employees say that "the customer couldn't afford anything in the store anyway". I was shocked. As I made the corner while looking at the fabric, it was then that they "workers" realized that I was there.

After realizing that I was actually in the store right in front of them....NO ONE GOT UP TO HELP ME! The OWNER then said to let them know if I needed any help. NO ONE STOPPED EATING THEIR LUNCH. I had already been in the shop for about 20 minutes before they realized that I was there and they still did not feel the need to get up and help me. I continue to write down the fabric names and manufactures. As I was walking to the door, the owner came out with her mouth still full of food and chewing and asked me if she could help me!

I told her that I was just looking for some inspiration. THE OWNER THEN DIRECTED ME TO THE SALE TABLE IN THE BACK!!!!!! I was just floored by these actions. I just walked out of the store and left. I will never go to the shop again. I wish that I was a fly on the wall to hear what they had to say about me.

This quilt shop is a 45 minute drive from my house and after this experience....they will NEVER see me or my money.

Thanks for letting me vent.

That is so wrong, on so many levels! :cry:

I am sorry this happened to you. I would find a different shop and definitely send a nice, but firm note to the owner of this shop. Perhaps they are unaware of what is happening with their employees. Not good for business.

That is terrible, thanks for letting us know

the owner was eating with them

Simply unbelievable. In today's economy no store can afford to operate like this. It was rude and unprofessional. Not only that but if a less then honest person walked in it sounds like they would have had ample time to rob the place blind.

On a few occasions I have walked into a small business with door chime and no one around, I like to call out hello until someone acknowledges me. When they come out to say can I help you, if I am browsing, I say I just wanted to let you know I was here and make sure you are ok.

However what you described that ploy would have had no impact either. Wow, just wow. Well I guess they must be one of the few places doing well enough that they don't need the business. Good for them, enough treatment like that to potential customers and they won't have any business.

I went into our new LQS today. We've never had one in town before and this one has only bee open since August. I wanted to look at sewing machines. According to an add in the paper, they carry Babylocs.

I walked in and a lady did get up from reading her book to ask if I needed help. I told her I wanted a new sewing machine and would like to know the features of the different models. She said, "I don't know anything about sewing machines. I don't sew."

I stood there, I'm sure looking stupid until she said the owner knows "a little bit more about them" and she will be back from vacation in two weeks.

Who opens a store and takes a two week vacation two months later leaving it in the hands of a non-sewer????

Some places have forgotten the importance of customer service!

We have one of these kinds of store here too.
Rude customer service.
I won't shop there anymore 3 times I given them a chance and that is my limit on that quilt shop.

Sorry to hear of your awful experience. One would think a shop owner would quit stuffing her face long enough to assist a potential client.
I dress in jeans and nice t shirts most of the time. I have had store employees look down their noses at me. And when looking around I have had then say, the "clearance area" is in back. "I go how nice is that where you got those rags your wearing then".

Just smile and say, "I shall take my business elsewhere, where my money is appreciated. And where they know how to treat people."


When we first moved here, my husband owned a red pickup truck. During nice weather, I drive around with the windows down and I like to listen to the stereo. As I was walking into the local salon, my daughter was going to having her hair done. I overheard a lady talking to another woman about me. She said there was a new family in town and the woman drives around blasting that awful rock and roll music. I turned the corner and said..it was Metallica and I would appreciate not being the topic of beauty parlor gossip queens.
They sat there with their mouths hanging open.