Not just quilt shops, but in any business. Well run businesses can and will do fine. I talked to a local guy who has an antique store and upholstery business. He pointed out that if you work (and I don't mean show up for a paycheck but actually work), hustle, show some ingenuity, there is a TON of work out there for the taking. He has noticed no slowdown.

Those stores with a good business model and that have built up a loyal clientele will do just fine. For example, I dropped off my sewing machine for service a week ago, and picked it up a few days later. She always gives a really good chocolate bar with a repair. She saw my husband was with me, and gave him one too. It's not a big thing. But it sure makes him not so fussy if I have to stop for some fabric!!!

From what I have seen, those stores that were on the edge prior to this temporary slowdown just can't pull it off. They were weak to begin with. Those that were doing well are doing ok and looking for ways to grow their businesses. When things fire back up, and they will, they we be poised to do very well.

Business failures are part of the business cycle. When a business fails, it's assets are purchased at a bargain by someone else with an idea. Getting a good deal on store fixtures and inventory may be all that's needed to get a good business model a fighting chance and an opportunity to succeed!

I am working at my LQS and she is doing well. All the shops in the Atlanta area seem to be thriving.

This is all VERY VERY TRUE!! Good post!

I agree with Shelly, here in Australia, many small businesses fail, within the first year or so...nothing to do with the economy...just wrong location, poor or overpriced stock and non-existent skills. We have only one remaining LQS, I go there quite often, even if it's just to buy needles, thread or bits and pieces. Oftentimes smaller stores just can't offer the discounts...so if you're on a tight budget you have to shop at the larger outlets.

What keeps people going back to the little guys....genuine, knowledgeable and helpful staff.

You're right about why LQS are more desireable; it's not just the fabrics and quilt specific tools, it's the knowledge of the people who work there!

I'll go to a Joann Fabrics, Beverly's Crafts, Walmart for cheaper fabrics but only if I do not need any advice. I go to one of my 2 LQS when I have a really special project requiring opinions, math for fabric amounts, or other help. My thanks to them is buying the fabric for that project there. These days I go there mainly to look and plan because I can't afford to buy fabric and all of you are helping me with questions, whether or not I actually did the asking.

The only time I shop at a quilt shop now is if I need to match a fabric I already have.
I shop online now, the prices are better and the sales are great.