One Reason Local Quilt Shops do not have Booming Business
07-14-2010, 08:23 PM
#141
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 3,037
Originally Posted by raptureready
Luckily I live in an area with a lot of fabric stores. Hobby Lobby, Hancocks, Joanns and and at least 7 LQS within 45 minutes. All but 2 are extremely friendly and helpful. One of those two is sort of an "elitist" store the other the woman that runs it is just an airhead with no business sense. I tend to stay away from those as much as possible.
If you're ever near Danville Illinois stop in at Threads of Time. I guarantee you'll hear, Good Morning/Afternoon, welcome to our store, is there anything we can help you with? the minute you walk in. You'll also be offered coffee and wonderful cookies. (not the prepackaged kind) If you want you'll be offered a tour of their retreat/conference center, an opportunity to stick a pin in the map to mark where you're from, and be told where the yarn room, pattern room, bargain shelves, etc are located. And it doesn't matter if the owners are there or not, the entire staff is does this. If this doesn't happen, pm me and I'll mail you a yard of fabric from my personal stash. That's how confident I am of their service.
If you're ever near Danville Illinois stop in at Threads of Time. I guarantee you'll hear, Good Morning/Afternoon, welcome to our store, is there anything we can help you with? the minute you walk in. You'll also be offered coffee and wonderful cookies. (not the prepackaged kind) If you want you'll be offered a tour of their retreat/conference center, an opportunity to stick a pin in the map to mark where you're from, and be told where the yarn room, pattern room, bargain shelves, etc are located. And it doesn't matter if the owners are there or not, the entire staff is does this. If this doesn't happen, pm me and I'll mail you a yard of fabric from my personal stash. That's how confident I am of their service.
07-14-2010, 09:48 PM
#142
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Bend, Oregon
Posts: 2,181
Sorry to here you had a bad experience.....I do not go to them often as I buy a lot online also,I would love to own my own quilt shop....and you better believe they would be greeted
at the door!
at the door!
07-14-2010, 09:49 PM
#143
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Kansas
Posts: 530
Well I have to disagree with that. I love to go to a fabric store and just wonder around on my own and NOT have someone bugging me every few minutes to see if I needed any help. If I'm looking for something and can't find it I will find a clerk and ask. Funny what different peoples comfort zones are while shopping. For example I was at Best Buy yesterday and I bet every 5 minutes someone was asking me if I needed help, and all I wanted to do was wonder around and look at some new items. I finally told one person that I've been asked a number of times already if I needed help. I walked out of the store with nothing. Just wanted to be doing something on a boring day.
07-14-2010, 10:05 PM
#144
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Kansas
Posts: 530
Originally Posted by oneygirl
I just think it is much more convenient to shop online for fabric. There is such a wider selection and not so much drive time. I figure I spend at least $5.00 on gas round trip and when I shop online I can hunt for the best bargains and have it delivered to my door.
07-14-2010, 10:25 PM
#145
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 9,273
Personally, I really don't care if the staff rolls out the red carpet or bows before me when I enter a store or small shop. I prefer to browse without being bothered. If I need help, I know how to ask for assistance.
Sometimes I find it a bit annoying being followed and have someone behind me comment on every fabric I touch or show an interest in.
Dealing with textiles and such for all of my adult life. I do know a decent fabric when I see it.
I don't see what the fuss is all about. For me a simple Hello, how are you? at the register or cutting table is sufficient and a Thank you as I leave.
Sometimes I find it a bit annoying being followed and have someone behind me comment on every fabric I touch or show an interest in.
Dealing with textiles and such for all of my adult life. I do know a decent fabric when I see it.
I don't see what the fuss is all about. For me a simple Hello, how are you? at the register or cutting table is sufficient and a Thank you as I leave.
07-15-2010, 03:04 AM
#147
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 928
I live in an area which has several LQS's. One in particular has a reputation for being customer "unfriendly" which is too bad because their fabric selection is quite wonderful. I and several of my quilting friends go there only as a last resort.
Bren
Bren
07-15-2010, 03:46 AM
#149
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 506
Originally Posted by Chasing Hawk
Personally, I really don't care if the staff rolls out the red carpet or bows before me when I enter a store or small shop. I prefer to browse without being bothered. If I need help, I know how to ask for assistance.
Sometimes I find it a bit annoying being followed and have someone behind me comment on every fabric I touch or show an interest in.
Dealing with textiles and such for all of my adult life. I do know a decent fabric when I see it.
I don't see what the fuss is all about. For me a simple Hello, how are you? at the register or cutting table is sufficient and a Thank you as I leave.
Sometimes I find it a bit annoying being followed and have someone behind me comment on every fabric I touch or show an interest in.
Dealing with textiles and such for all of my adult life. I do know a decent fabric when I see it.
I don't see what the fuss is all about. For me a simple Hello, how are you? at the register or cutting table is sufficient and a Thank you as I leave.
I don't think anyone posting here is expecting a 'red carpet.' I think, like you, they are only asking for a simple Hello and maybe an offer of assistance.
07-15-2010, 03:52 AM
#150
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bluebell
Posts: 4,291
I don't want to be bugged either,a friendly hello and if you need anything or have questions, is just fine with me. However, if you don't get even a friendly glance then I will not welcomed. I do like to browse on my own and not feel pressured to buy anything. I am more apt to buy more if I can just browse and enjoy!
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