sewmom

Friendliness, helpful, good variety. If the fabric isn't available anymore, then the sample should not still be on display. The other thing that kind of bugs me-i go into a quilt shop and half their fabric is at a show somewhere.

madamekelly

My dislikes are few, and easier to list. 1. Narrow aisles. 2. Dark stores, always make me wonder what they don't want me to notice. 3. Shop keepers who make sure you know, that they know everything, including your opinion. 4. Things hanging down that touch my head. (My hair has enough static by itself.) My needs are basic. :oops:

quiltjoey

Since I've only been quilting a short time now, I haven't visited many shops. I am fortunate that there is a great LQS in Summerville (People, Places, and Quilts), PPQ for short, just 5 miles from me. It has friendly people, well lit, all types of fabrics, patterns, completed quilts on the walls and kits, a quiet place for non-quilters/shoppers to sit, day and evening classes, knowledgeable staff. I love going in there and never feel rushed or intrusive. They do sell machines but you are not pushed to view them. My husband went there to get a gift for me and he bought me the Go Cutter. He said they were very helpful. PPQ also has rocking chairs out in front of their shop. Most of the year, the weather is nice here year round when DH's can sit out side and watch people and traffic go by. We have another shop here but I find them "stuffy" and if you don't have a machine from them, they're not too interested in you.
But I have purchased fabrics from them a couple of times. One of my favorite places to buy fabric is Mary Jo's in Gastonia, NC where not all the staff are friendly but it is a huge warehouse like place. It is also about 3 hours drive from me. i do buy from Hancocks and some things like notions from WalMart.
Good luck with opening you shop and if you use the suggestions from this thread, I sure your business will succeed!!

chris_quilts

Friendly, competent staff who at least say "hi" when people walk in the store. I was almost finished with a tablerunner but needed binding. Took it to my LQS and showed it to the gal working there. She asked why I was even going to bother finishing the project. What a b*&^h! I try not to shop there althought they are 10 minutes from where I live.
Regular hours. Carry more brands than just Coats and Clark (better yet, don't even carry that)and carry lots of colors not just the basics or the neutrals.

Ramona Byrd

A few years ago I went to a local shop that sold fabrics, now closed. I asked a young sales clerk where the velvet was, and she had absolutely no idea of what it was!! Another lady about my age and I had to explain to her what it looked like and what it felt like.
She thought about it and then waved towards the back of the store and said she thought she'd seen some "back there".

Did I mention that the store closed not too long after that?

FranW

Friendly owner. Where I go the owner is awful. She is very patronizing to anyone that doesn't agree with all of her quilt methods. And I am a free spirit that quilts for the joy I receive from quilting, not the judge's awards. Thank goodness, b/c I would not receive any awards! LOL:)

wilmak

I feel I need to defend the shops a bit. For the record, I no longer have small children, and I am not LQS owner or employee. Children love the threads and their marvelous colors and can really make a mess of it. One great way of making mom and 3+ age children happy is by having a button box and a ball of crochet weight thread for them to play with. The smaller ones can be provided with bright blocks. Kids are happy, mom is happy, and in the long run, shop owner is happy.

sewsilly

I'm not sure anyone has said this yet, but here is one thing that bugs me. The shop has a sample on display, but the fabric in the sample is not available anywhere anymore. GRRR.

littlelambseativy

The plan so far is to open in the midwest. Maybe even up north. (hi Tammie!)

sewsilly

Oh, and don't be snotty. If someone says 'flannelette' instead of 'flannel' just go with the flow. Our LQS recently closed - the one and only time I was in there the owner responded "I think you mean FLANNEL" loud enough that people next door could have heard her. And she was a cotton purist: only new cotton, no recycled clothing, the most expensive cotton thread only etc. I couldn't escape fast enough.