Ritacarl

There are times when I am unsure and I'd like a sales person to actually suggest what would go good together. Knowledgeable is a must. There are so many places in a quilt shop and I guess the store expects me to know where all these little knooks and crannies are. So, please have someone that could lead me to other possible ideas.
Rita

Riverton Quilter

Thanks for asking the question.
1. Be organized, by colors, flannels in one area, seasonal area. Newest quilt line on display.
2. Be clean - can't handle dust, garbage on floor (at 9:00 a.m.)
3. Staff willing and knowledgable.
4. Kits, more the better (all sizes and types)
5. Samples (with fabric and/or kits available)
6. Sales (fabric and notions)

Thanks for letting me share. Good luck on your new endeavor.

LanaCindy

I'm in Florida to...I think I have been to that shop...when I wasn't their to buy a machine they became very unhelpful and were cutting down certain customers who shop their. I will travel to a shop thats has friendly people and treats us individuals that do not look like the typical quilter properly.
When taking a class: Not having the instructor tell you that how she would put a sampler block together would look better than how you chose to do it. All the other students in class had blocks exactly like she told them to put them together. I like being different.

littlelambseativy

Thanks. I appreciate this, too.

sewdarnbusy

You just described "Flying Geese" in Tustin California. They seem to love what they do, and they do it well.

Ohhh! Good Question!
1. Friendliness, down-to-earth people working there that love to help and get enthused over one's projects.
2. It's also nice when someone looks up and smiles at you when you first walk in the door, even if they are busy and cannot get to you right away, they've acknowledge that they've seen you. Bonus points if they look up, smile AND welcome you by name then go back to whatever they're doing.
3. Personally, I like to see a lot of different types of samples, colorways, etc. While Thimbleberries 'country' is a nice look, it gets boring after a while. A nice cross-section of styles, colors, quilts, options hanging on the walls and put on display get my creative 'juices' a going...
4. Sale racks, sale kits, sale things. Give aways. Freebies. Free demos' on how to use notions, etc.
5. A big back room with 8' tables for classes - or for local quilters like me who do not have the space available to spray baste, pin baste or thread baste a large quilt. Nice when I can call ahead, making sure that there's nothing else going on... and can come over and lay things out. Even get some help!
6. Dinner classes....potlucks... slumber parties... quilt-til-you-wilt events. Fun things!

brendag

I think you have a great idea. In my small town, we have 2. One is so pricey that I dont go in very often, maybe looking for a change in the shop. They people are helpful. But they have no fabric under $10. I really dont know how they stay in business. The other fabric store, is great. They have a table that has fabric for $2.99 a yard. I love it. They also carry alot of different kinds of fabric.
I wish you all the blessings in the world.

Rann

Recognize that men quilt also. I was in a tool place several years ago looking for a router. I have a workshop. I had checked out the whole thing before someone offered to wait on me and of course he said "are you buying something for your husband?" I immediately started asking for odd things that I had seen and he didn't know what or where they were. When I left he told me he'd never make the same mistake again.

BfloDd

I like a good variety of fabric to choose from. In our area most owners boast that they only offer fabric of their own taste. I think this is a mistake.
I like discounts for loyal patrons, class members and whenever discounts are offered make the policy clear to staff. I hate being made to feel like I am trying to get away with something when I ask for what has been offered. I love lots and lots of made up samples and owners who are happy to help problem solve. I don't expect them to be experts but a willingness to talk things through can be so helpful. Clubs are great and create a feeling of a home away from home. I buy a lot of fabric on my club night. My home shop keeps all of the class tables set up and this helps when picking things out. I buy more when I feel welcome to make piles somewhere. For some reason I just love it when asked "what are you making at the Quilt Store" but not at JoAnn's when they are asking every one of the dozen people in line the same thing and holding up the line! Good luck-I'm sure this will be a wonderful adventure.

Ramona Byrd

Some chairs where tired feet can rest, and maybe a TV with videos of quilting ideas and how-to do it. When the feet feel better
then I could go and get something that was shown on the TV.

And the plastic templates should be closer to the isles and able to be seen from the chairs!!! I can always think of what I want in a template on the way to the LQS but don't remember it again till I'm on my way home.

purplepamela

I haven't read all of the responses, but one of my biggest wishes is that people wouldn't judge you by what you look like or what you are wearing. My DH and i enjoy motorcycle riding, we really like two lane roads in the country, some of my favortie LQS have been found on these rides. Alot of the shops act like they don't even want us in the store much less have to talk to us. Bikers quilt too.

Friendly, not overbearing, employees that don't mind when you ask questions are probably at the top of my list. Ones that really listen to what you have to say. Good selection of fabric in a variety of price ranges, not everyone has the same budget. Also willing to add suggestions to make your projects easier and better. Don't mind if you look for a while.