laurac

i like evening and weekend classes so those of us who work can have fun too. i like the special discounts offer on a particular type of items on saturdays. like a percentage off of patterns and books one weekend, on rullers another weekend, fat quarters another...
i like the clerks to ask if they can help then back off if i don't think i want help but check again later to see if i'm finding what i want. that gives me a chance to change my mind if i figure out i really do need help.
i like an emailed calendar of classes and sales.

cat-on-a-mac

I second this. I used to work in a So-Fro (YEARS ago), and we always pulled the end of the fabric around the bolt, so that about 1/2 yd or so was "free" to be viewed and felt (texture is imporant,too). I haven't seen this done in a long time.

I hate that in many places you have to remove the bolt from the shelf or stack to open it up and get a good view of it. (And then, you can never put it back neatly!) One LQS here actually puts an elastic band around the bolts so that you CAN't open it up. Hate that.

It takes me a long time to select fabric, and I do a lot of browsing, comparing colors, etc. I like shops that are more compartmentalized (like, an old house with lots of little rooms), so I don't feel like I'm being watched all the time by a clerk. I guess that's not necessarily the best thing for an owner, however, as you need to keep an eye on your customers!

kathdavis

liese

Reasonably priced classes not requiring you to buy "all" of your supplies there.

campy

I second what you say.

campy

I second what you say.

lots2do

One of my favorite shops has a free Sit and Sew from 1-4 on Sundays. I'm all ready to go, today! I so look forward to going and visiting while I work on a project. And, I seldom leave without buying something. (Today it'll be bobbbins).

One of my other favorite shops has classes on Saturdays in addition to weekdays. (I work so it's Sat. or nothing for me). $25 for the class and 20% off the pattern and/or tool needed for the class. I love one of her instructors' manner with all of us so look for her classes to go to.
Hope this helps,
lots2do

krisgray

Dislikes: bolts stacked on the floor, batiks not grouped by color, no space for classes (need space for at least 10 sewers).

Likes: shelves for new arrivals, pleasing displays and samples, enough notions and interfacing to buy everything for a bag project in the store, one late night or daytim sew in (great for getting to know other quilters and asking questions), clubs/BOMs with a show and tell segment.

campy

I am always attracted to a quilt shop where they have BOM the first one is $6. you have a compliment block that is $6. and I quarantee 90% will buy more, Also supply a live class to help with the difficulty of the block with tools to buy, and slso a buck a block. I was sold on this store when I first started my addiciton and they had me going every week one week an applique block for a wall hanging , buck a block and bom,.
A great way to attract traffic. I have to give the shop credit it is in Jackson, Michgan and Lansing and they know how to get bussiness, They also offer many classes and I am going to fullfill my New Years Resolution and take two.

Hen3rietta

I look for a few things in a quilt store. 1-The general atmosphere that everyone likes to be there. That includes how the owners and their employees interact and how they interact with all the customers. 2- a range of styles in fabrics. Unfortunately smaller LQSs have to almost have a focus or point of view (reproduction, batiks, Thimbleberries, etc.) because they can't realistically carry everything, but there should be a good representative sampling of other styles for those of us who may need a yard or two of something to finish a project. I ran into this when I was doing a row by row and one participant wanted 30's fabrics, which is totally absent in my stash. I went to all the LQSs in a 40 mi radius and none was to be found. I had to chance the colors and order online. I can't blame the LQSs. In fact at two of them I could cheerfully purchase 75% of what they have on display. 3- Along with many other posters here, I hunt for bargains. It's part thrifty and part thrill of the chase, but I'm more likely to stop by chops for a quick peek if I know that they often have end of bolt sales or more than a timid handful of 4 yr old fabric on deep discount. 4- and lastly, I like a shop that carries decent essential good quality thread, tools & hand needles that you will not find at a JoAnns or Walmart.

Diana