Hi-

Out of curiosity, are there things that you would like to see change/different in the local QS?? How would you want fabric arranged, color/designer/type? What special things would you like/want the LQS to offer? Should they offer coupons from Joanns etc.??

I am curious as I just went to a store about a week ago and it was just a mess! I had to leave after 20 minutes..bolts of fabric everywhere, just totally disorganized..it got me thinking!

"Should they offer coupons from Joanns etc.??"

Huh? Sorry, I don't get it?

If they are that disorganized yes maybe they should offer coupons to other places but they usually want you business. I would stay away from that one unless they have fantastic prices!

What do I want from a Quilting Store:
I want to walk in the front door and enter la-la land. I want to browse and dream and create and touch and feel and smell and pick up a fabric, enjoy it, put it back and pick up another one. I want to be able to compare prices and feel like I got the biggest bang for my buck. I want to dash over for the specials and sales and I want to be so much at home there they will know my face and name when I come. I want to go home with stash and be planning my next trip back before I get my stash unpacked. I want to be excited about the adventure.

For the most part, that is how my lqs is. Clean, comforting, organized and so helpful about spending my money!!!

I am fortunate in that the LQS's in my area are very nice. My one pet peeve though is that the fabric bolts are so tightly arranged on the shelves that it is very difficult to remove a bolt to get a better look at the fabric. I know that they are trying to stock as many bolts as humanly possible but with carpal tunnel surgery and tendon issues I really have hurt myself removing fabric from the shelves. It is impossible for me to return the bolt to it's proper place, so I have glimpsed a dirty look or two because I have to leave them on the tables for the staff to restock. Okay, that is my vent for the day.

I do think offering a loyalty card would be a good idea. If you spend ??? dollars, you get a future discount, or something like that.

I love the LQS in Johnson City, TN. It is bright, clean and VERY well stocked The employees are very friendly and helpful. They even have a small sitting area with a TV near the front for hubbies or others who are not into shopping.

They have 2 loyalty programs. They have a card that you get punched for every dollar you spend. When you spend $250, you get a gift card for $25.00 off your next purchase. They also have a Bag Lady program. They sell a large, paper/fabric type(?) tote bag for $10.00. Each time you bring it back, you receive 10% off of your total and it is good for sales also.

I love going to this store and wish I could go more often.

I wish that they had room to not only have the fabric displayed by color, but also displayed by collections :D:D:D The best of both worlds :D:D:D

More natural lighting. More lighting period. I often leave stores without buying anything and later realize it was because it was too dark to really see the fabric.