Likes/Dislikes in quilt shops
#201
I like finding fabrics in a large variety of colors and textures, not just what the lqs shop owner wants to work with. Friendly staff, Lots of books, good useful advice and classes that are priced so you can afford to go to them. Thread is a big issue here at our LQS and I can never find the right color or weight. I do a lot of applique, so finding silk thread in a variety of colors is essential to me. Lots of notions and necessities like cutting boards, blades and rulers. And resources. Like who in the area does Long Arm work, who does hand quilting, who is best at this or that and would be willing to help with a problem. I could go on forever, but you get it
#202
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: long island ny
Posts: 1,337
There is one LQS owner who goes out of her way to employ quilting police! I took two classes there and vowed to never go back. I need support and encouragement not scolding. I now frequent a shop where they laugh with me, not at me! I love those ladies to death.
#203
just a reply....i agree with most all of the mentioned wishes with friendly helpful staff at the top. also the mention of extra fabric to each cut..i usually ask for it and not the "jo ann cut" it is very frustrating to get home and after straightening the fabric i have already lost two or three inches. best of luck with your new store. i'd love to stop in if i am in the area..we are fortunate in my area as in a 25 mile area there are six great quilt shops that meet most of the wishes of shoppers
#204
Since I work, I would like the stores to be open later in the evening, to have more weekend classes available. Be open on both Saturday and Sunday. What part of the country are you going to open up a new store in?
NormaBeth
NormaBeth
#205
Originally Posted by littlelambseativy
I'm going to open a can of worms, here. We're looking into opening a small quilt shop in our small town. In a nutshell, can you quilters tell me what are your likes/dislikes? Thanks!
Nana Julie
P.S. Please make sure your fabric cutters know how to cut properly, there is nothing worse than getting home and find out you are short on one end of your fabric.
#206
Originally Posted by Mary M
I think this is a wonderful idea! Friendliness is always desirable.
Originally Posted by pattypurple
Our LQS has a monthy "tea". No charge time to get together. The owner shows us the new things in the shop, samples for upcoming classes and tells about other things going on in the community (charities that need our help, etc.). Then it is time for show and tell. Everyone who brings a show and tell item is entered in a drawing for a door prize. She has the tea in the AM and PM the same day each month. Remember the longer you can keep people in your store the more they will spend. On Tea day the cash register is going non-stop. They are also very good at remembering names of customers.
Pat
Pat
#208
people that want to help you pick out colors for those of us who are not that good at it. Just show an interest in people. The one I went to before I moved made an effort to learn you name. Then others took over and there ok but now I moved.
#209
Originally Posted by littlelambseativy
I'm going to open a can of worms, here. We're looking into opening a small quilt shop in our small town. In a nutshell, can you quilters tell me what are your likes/dislikes? Thanks!
#210
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Canton, Georgia
Posts: 61
I love a shop that is friendly and not afraid to inquire what I am working on. There is a shop in Maggie Valley, N.C that I visit at least twice a year on our adventures. They have a little area for my husband to sit/relax and are so happy to show any new fabrics that have arrived. I never leave there without purchasing more that I planned. Another shop, in Greengold, GA has gone farther with a small love seat, TV and soft drinks for my husband. Guess where he offers to drive to on outings? "I think that the quilt shop is missing you!" It also helps that it is near a really good BBQ shop. I have never gotten a frown when we go there. They even know him or seem to when we visit, SMART OWNER and STAFF! Did I mention that there are quite a few male quilters who come to these shops. They teach at many of the colleges and schools nearby and are members of the local quilting association. The shop markets to them and has classes for their students. They also have Mom & daughter classes in the summer and over school vacations. I noticed that one of the girls brought her father in so he would know what she was interested in and he assisted her on a project. What a great dad!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BellaBoo
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
106
10-09-2011 05:38 PM