Stock the quilt store....ideas welcome!

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03-25-2011, 04:29 PM

#31

Katia

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Nevada

Posts: 650

I was just thinking about something I would love to see in a quilt shop the other day, something I have never seen. Anyway, wouldn't it be cool if there was an area on the wall to display customers quilts. There would be a time frame for them to be there, and they would have to be made from fabric they bought there at that store. I think it might be fun for some people to have their quilts showcased.

I am not saying I want mine on that wall, nope, not ready for that yet.

03-25-2011, 04:32 PM

#32

Rntraveler

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Huntsville, AL

Posts: 772

I like this idea alot.... here in my part of the world we have one store in particular that is pretty dark...so hard to see true color's....

03-25-2011, 08:40 PM

#33

Shunem

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Central Missouri

Posts: 150

I'd like it well lit, clean, and quiet, that is to say, I'd like the store to play soft music or none at all. I've been to lots of quilt shops where they play instrumentals or oldies,...etc. Our LQS here in town plays hard rock,...and it's very unnerving and annoying. I've heard other customers complain,...does no good.

03-25-2011, 08:45 PM

#34

Shunem

Junior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Central Missouri

Posts: 150

Quote:

Originally Posted by grugirl

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandraG

My favorite LQS has a variety of sales such as: Fat Quarter Friday (once a month) ($1.50); end of the bolt 25% off (one Sat a month); a buyer's card ($20 off after $250 in purchases); birthday sale (1/2 your age for the week before and after your birthday; Wonderful Wednesday (once a month where something is spontaneously put on sale, etc. They have a variety of samples hanging on the wall; a Christmas fabric area; a baby fabric area; a civil war area; new fabric area; batik area, etc. The best thing is you feel like you are home. They welcome you with a big smile, answer any questions, let you know about anything new or on sale. And, they call me by name (of course I have been going there for years).

The friendliness of course plays a huge part. I have oft found that many women that work in quilt shops are not always that friendly. In fact, many times I feel as if I put them off by asking questions. They seem disturbed or bothered many times. There are a few shops I love but the friendliness of the owner and staff has much to be desired.

Yes! I agree 100 percent. Genuine friendliness and helpfulness go so far! And not that fakey "I want you to spend lots of money and leave" stuff. I don't need to be babysat all through the store, or have the staff think they need to know everything about me...but a warm, genuine smile and a cheerful "Hi, can I help you find anything special?!" goes a long way with me.

03-25-2011, 09:09 PM

#35

tigger5464

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: ????????????

Posts: 1,659

Please let us know what section of Iowa you will be in? Eastern, central, western?

And I agree, lighting is important. Thank you :)

03-25-2011, 09:09 PM

#36

trif

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2010

Location: Orange county, CA

Posts: 1,449

Definitely batting, it's always nice to get all you supplies for a quilt all at once. Im sure you will have a fantastic shop.

03-26-2011, 02:21 AM

#37

hobbykat1955

Super Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Milton DE

Posts: 3,189

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katia

I agree...Since the QS I go to gives teachers freedom to display all their classes all over the place, hanging from ceiling, walls etc...it's a wonderland of quilts and gives everyone ideas if they don't want to take a class.

03-26-2011, 03:06 AM

#38

liminanc

Junior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Ashburnham Mass

Posts: 284

At my favorite QS they have tables with a basket of bean bags in the middle so you can put your bolts of fabrics on the table and put a bean bag on it to let others know that those are taken, and also so the staff doesnt think someone just left them and puts them away. Great lighting absolutely. Samples made up are great, and I love batiks, so lots of batiks. lol

03-26-2011, 03:08 AM

#39

Happy Tails

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Timberlea, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posts: 1,262

Years ago and years ago, I had a ceramic shop and I always had tea/coffee and pop. It tarted out as a complimentary cup of coffee but then I had to put a money jar beside the tea and coffee because I was getting so busy that I was making in upwards of 5 pots a day. So it started becoming very expensive, so they could throw whatever money they wanted to in the jar and this way it paid for itself. I know that sounds small but with all the other expenses in a shop, you can't give everything away. Some of your regulars will donate the odd can of coffee...I like everybody's ideas, Chris, your head will be spinning by the end of this thread lol :)

03-26-2011, 03:12 AM

#40

madamekelly

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Posts: 7,695

My LQS has bag patterns up the wazoo, but they are all huge bags, no purses. Just a thought, maybe you could have an in-store notebook of all patterns available to your store? Customers could pay in advance, and you could order to demand?