I TRY to support my LQSs, I really do. I want them to be there when I need something fast and in a pinch! Problem being, *I* think my money looks so much better in my pocket than it does in theirs!

I went to a LQS/Sewing store to check on a FMQ foot for my Janome. $79.95! I don't have that kind of money...so I came home and looked online. I found both the closed and the open toe feet for less that $30 with shipping! I was totally amazed...what makes for that kind of difference in pricing?

I know the stores have overhead, and expenses to pay, but sheese...

Whatever the market will bear. This is why many LQS go out of business. I try to support the locals, but I live on a limited budget and often times the chains have equally good fabrics, etc. at less expensive prices. You may not get the same service, but....

Maybe it's a case of no overhead. No rent, employee salaries, etc. I know what you mean about the money looking good in your pocket. These days we're all trying to save wherever we can.

i may be off-base, but i've more-or-less come to the conclusion that all but the huge LQS are out of touch with the times. they seem content to cater to women who don't need to work outside the home to make ends meet.

first clue? their hours. the nearest shop to me is only open 4-1/2 days a week! it opens late and closes early. by the time i'm done work, it's too late to go. that means if i want to shop there, i have to arrange my whole saturday to their convenience. none seem to be open on sundays.

it's a bit of a shame, really. although her prices are higher than most of the places i shop online, they are (1) lower than a great many of the hoity-toity online shops; and (2) often "low" enough to compete when i need something special and want to buy in-person.

i guess my money isn't green enough to count. :lol:

I know exactly what you mean...our LQS is owned by a lovely person, but her opening hours are a little odd and as the shopping centre the store is in is a little out of the way....so often I give it a miss and make a list for when I go to our next regional centre about 30 mins away. There are 2 large chains, plus a quite large LQS there so usually I can find what I need between the three.

I try and support our LQS, but fabrics are limited and far more expensive than the larger stores, so mostly I buy thread or small bits and pieces. Reality is, most of us don't have large amounts of money to splash out just to keep the little guys going....sad, but true of our times.

My LQS seldom has more than 2 other people shopping in it whenever I have stopped in. They have to pay their 2 worker's whether they only have a couple of shoppers or a store full...they could drop their prices and could more than make up for it by sales volume.
Their yardage averages $9 up and one does have a wall of $5 fabric, but most has been sitting there for the last 6 months....truly what no one wants...

I understand what you are saying. I have an LQS that I love and do often buy fabric there, but would never consider buying backing fabric or muslin there. I especially would never think of buying a notion there that I could find at Joanns or Hobby Lobby with a coupon for much less.
But they are very helpful, free FQ with every purchase (no matter how small), good classes and good fabric selelction and reasonable hours.
But I usually find myself buying my books at Amazon and my notions with a coupon.
They are usually busy enough, but still find time to help you and ask about any projects.

I think that with the economy being the way it is...we all have to tighten our belts to some extent, and they need to realize with chain stores around the corner they are sending us there when a lot of us would rather keep our money local and support the smaller business people. But I only have so much to spend each month and have to go where the prices fit MY budget.

[quote=PatriceJ]i may be off-base, but i've more-or-less come to the conclusion that all but the huge LQS are out of touch with the times. they seem content to cater to women who don't need to work outside the home to make ends meet.

first clue? their hours.

Patrice I think you are absolutely correct based on an experience I had about six years ago. I wanted a Bernina machine so I decided to try one out before spending that kind of money (it wasn't a top of the line model). I went to the only quilt shop in my area that sells them and asked if I could try one. As I was sewing, the bobbin thread kept tangling on the back of the practice piece. I jokingly said, why is that happening is it me? And the lady said "it must be". I was a bit put off by that. Then I asked about additional feet and the cost. I thought they were quite expensive, I asked her if I could use the snap-on feet that I already have and her response was "why would you want to". I got up and walked out of the shop, but I was so embarrassed. Let me just say that I would handle the situation very differently today. :twisted:

Sorry, I can never get the quote thing right. Grrrrrrr!!!