QuiltNGanny

I like everybody's suggestions, but being a new quilter one of the things that will bring me back is staff that can answer questions and do it without attitude.

I love my LQS because they are so welcoming and warm and willing to join in on helping with my project or include me in on their projects. It's nice to feel I can contribute to these experienced quilters. They seem interested in whatever I'm working on.

GrannieAnnie

Staff that offers help but does not hover!

thrums

Good lighting.
OT-light station
Knowledgeable staff
Wide enough aisles to maneuver bolts
Customer loyalty perks
Workshops

LoriEl

That makes no sense at all! You see the finished product and just HAVE to have that pattern- in their case you buy it somewhere else.
Anyway, in my LQS I was impressed because the second time I went in there they greeted me by name! It made me feel so welcome that now I stop in just to chat sometimes. They are interested in my projects and request I bring them in to show them. They always show me the newest trends or fabrics without being pushy so I feel like I have to buy or leave. There are occasionally free patterns that they offer.

xsquilter

Oh my gosh, lots of ideas so far so I don't think I could add much more. I've often thought that if I had my own shop, I would hope that it is spacious enough to set up a cozy sitting area. Away from displays & fabrics! A place to sit & read through a pattern to decide on some fabric while I sip away at a nice cup of tea! I go to fabric stores to relax, reflect, etc., away from my noisy boys & men!
Maureen

Brynn

I'll add my recommendation for good lighting, and for there to be a wide range of fabric types. It can be very discouraging to find that a store is only reproduction fabric, or that another is entirely devoted to 15$ a yard Amy Butler or something. A girl likes a little variety in her prices and choices, you know?

Also, if you could have sewing machines on display I always love to see that, especially if you pick up a neglected treadle or something and give it a good home. It wouldn't be too hard to install a lock or to just remove the needle, but I know there are folks who would love to have the chance just to mess around on an antique!

A wide variety of rulers are always a godsend--I hate seeing only one brand, if you just have maybe one or two of a couple brands of rulers it would help me decide which one I would want.

Lori S

I like to get e- mails that show whats new ( pictures) that way I can get there to get enough for a project . I hate when I love a fabric and there is not enough left on the bolt. It also helps to know if I don't need to get there as nothing is what I'm looking for. .I know the idea is to get people in the store as frequently as possible inse they are likey to find something to purchase, but if a make a couple of trips and find it less than what I'm looking for , its all the more likely I will not make that shop my first stop. USe e- mail to comunicate, what coming in , when its expected, what classes are being offered, inspirational photos, include tips.. we all love tips!
A picture really is worth a thousand words!

cjr

tons of good suggestions. Owner of my LQS has said they are a destination store, therefore do not need to be in most expensive rent areas. You go there for quilt-sewing stuff etc.

quiltyfeelings

DING DING DING DING! We have a winner here!~
Perhaps even staff that are quilters themselves and love to brag about their current projects and are genuinely interested in what the customer is making...maybe even staff that come out of the backroom when a customer comes in the door. How about staff that are knowledgeable? What about staff that are not constantly gossiping about other customers?

Needless to say, I don't frequent the above store anymore!

Mazda

Quilt kits. And, no snooty people!