Because I can't grab 5 bolts and lay them out to see how they play together when I shop online - but I can do that at an LQS (I have never stuck to a single line of fabric).

Husband and I try whenever possible to support local small businesses. There are very sound econinomical reasons to do this.

And for all the other things folks mentioned - mostly the personal service.

Good service and friendly people ready to help. All the employees are quilters. The sewn examples are gorgeous. The selection of Civil War prints is stupendous. The LQS has classes and Blocks of the Month that interest me. I can park 10 feet from the front door and I don't have to walk half a mile back to the fabric department.

The overall shopping experience is just more pleasant and easier at my LQS than at Walmart or Joann. :)

I like to support our LQS and the fabric there is much nicer than at the Joanns or Hobby Lobby around here. Plus they're very helpful any time I have a question about something--whether I bought the material/pattern there or not. LQS also offers classes which are very useful.

Why do I go to the local LQS:
I go for the Block of the MOnth club.
I go because I like to feel the fabrics and lay them out to pick the colors.
I go because they have a great Bargin Basement.
I go because I pick their brains.
I go because I really enjoy talking to them.
I go JUST TOO HAVE FUN!

to be able to feel the fabric

also ours has fat quarters on sale the 25th of each month,

fun to go with my friends to the quilt shop

There are those of us who prefer to not shop at Big Box Stores whenever possible.

I shop at my LQS's because I prefer the fabric and selection there. I also like to support small businesses.

because I can ;-) We have 2 shops in town.

I shop at all three. I purchase lots of on sale and end of bolt fabric from LQS. You can usually get better coordinating fabrics at LQS.

Me too, i really love the ladies at my LQS, very supportive, helpful, much better atmosphere at joann's. I get my batting and notions at joanns. I get gift certificates to my LQS so I don't really think of the price, also LQS has pattern that joannns doesn't carry and you don't have to pay shipping as with an online store. I shop online for fabric, but i have to already know the line and what it looks like. Colors aren't always accurate on those online shops and have purchased stuff I couldn't use in my project. I may buy patterns online my LQS doesn't carry. and i just love taking classes. Just let your fam know you want gift certs to your favorite LQS and you will be able to get some of their yummy fabric