What makes a shop "worth" going to????
 

I cringe when a quilter asks me this question about a shop that they know that I have been to and that they are not familiar with.....so...clarify for me what makes a shop"worth" going to, in your opinion????

Sandy

I have walked into some beautiful shops but if the people working there are friendly, I probably don't go back.

Quantity ... If I am going to travel to a new shop, I want to see stuff I haven't or can't see at the shops close to home.

Staff ... this is almost as important as the quantity (and variety) of fabric to choose from. There is a very large shop close to my house but I avoid it because the staff is pretty deplorable. I like a friendly staff, a working (not busy chatting) staff, a smiling happy staff, and a knowledgable staff. If I ask "do you have ..." I don't want to hear "somewhere over there" - I want them to SHOW ME. If I am at the cutting table or register I don't want to wait because they're too busy chatting with co-workers, if a staffer has a task of doing computer work or stocking shelves and the rest of the staff is busy with customers - stop and HELP CUSTOMERS as they are the ones paying your salary. And at no time do I want rude comments by the staff (I've had staff tell me "these two fabrics don't go well together" when I had NO intention of putting them in the same quilt (gee ... do you REALLY want to sell fabric??)).

Good supply of notions, books, and patterns

Parking

Well laid out, I should see *some* rhyme or reason to the layout of the fabrics. Most that I know of will keep new fabrics in a given line together for a few months or so, then move each to the area where it fits best color wise. Also, batiks are usually segregated from other cottons, as are flannels and home spuns. Some shops I walk into there is no rhyme or reason and it's easy to miss something.

Manueverability/visibility/lighting ... only one shop comes to mind that I could not manuever in or see what was on the shelves because it was so packed with "stuff". Bolts on the shelves, bolts stacked on the floor in front of the shelves. The place was a downright fire hazard. Aside from that though, other shops that I visit might have a problem with accesabilty to wheelchairs manuevering in and out of the bolt stands etc. Stores that have multiple shelves that face each other across a narrow aisle need to be cautious of the lighting - it's difficult to light those areas well enough - sometimes I have to take the bolt to the front window to see the color.

MarLeClair

I have to giggle... You don't like "friendly" people?

Sandy

Friendly helpful staff that sincerely greet you, ask if you need help, and then give you a little space to shop to your heart's content. Good lighting - natural lighting from windows is best. Fabric arranged nicely to inspire creativity. A little something always on sale.

Interesting, unusual fabric and good prices.
Friendliness is of no interest to me; they are not my friends.
Rudeness, however, is unacceptable.

I agree with "DogHouseMom "totally". If you want my money act like it.

I like to be greeted and helped when I ask for it. Don't really care for being followed around though. Usually the shops are small so it is not hard to tell if someone needs assistance. I do like to be reminded about matching thread and told about items on sale.

And I agree about parking being available. So many quilt shops have limited parking and I won't go very often if I can't park close. I hate those little strip malls that have 10 spots for all the shops.

Must admit, it is nice to be remembered from one visit to the next. I realize they have quite a few customers, but it I come in on a fairly regular basis, it is nice to have some sort of recognition.

Well, I only have one local quilt shop (its still a 55 mile trip to get there) - they are very friendly- have helped tremendously when picking fabric - the shop owner and her husband work there together - I go in so much - they know me when I walk in. Often times, they will give me a 1/4 yd or more for free - if there isn't much left on a bolt that I want. I love my LQS - don't really shop at others except for online shops.

Friendly staff. This is number one for me. If the staff is interested in what I'm making, and eager to share opinions (when asked) or help matching fabric, that is what I want in my quilt shop. There is one locally that I used to really like - but I realize now that it was mostly one of the staff I liked. She ohs and ahs over everything you bring in, and is a wiz at picking fabrics.