Likes/Dislikes in quilt shops
01-15-2011, 09:33 PM
#62
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Camarillo, California
Posts: 35,242
Everyone has such wonderful suggestions. I won't repeat all of them but I just wanted to repeat the fact that those of us who work really need a place that will be open even just one evening a week. And have some of your classes in the evening. I have not been able to take classes because they are all during the day, during the week.
Friendly staff is a must. I love it when my LQS's greet me by name!!!
Friendly staff is a must. I love it when my LQS's greet me by name!!!
01-15-2011, 10:18 PM
#63
Power Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,375
After reading through all of these, I have to say that our LQS is great.
They do have night classes and all different levels of classes.
We used to have an open sewing night once a month. It was wonderful. It did cost $5, but there were always snacks and pop/bottled water. Then it changed to $20 a month and they have food brought in for dinner. This made it impossible for me to go anymore because I just can't afford it.
Right before Christmas they had a Friday night and a Saturday where they did demos of different techniques and new notions available. Some women brought their husbands and then they could come back and shop for their wives. Most of the clerks get to know your tastes and when husbands/wives come into shop they can easily help them with choices. If anyone wanted to shop for me they would know not to sell drab, dark colors to give as a gift for me.
Men are always welcome, as a matter of fact both husband an wife work at different times in the store. All except one clerk welcomes me by name.
The hours do make it difficult to shop if you work full time. They close at 6:00 and are closed on Sundays. I do understand though because they have young children which makes it difficult to be open late. Sundays are out of the question because in this area it is all day Church and family time. During the classes that are offered I do believe that they would be happy to let people shop. All you would have to do is ask.
The punch cards were a pain in the neck for them. Now it is computerized so it is easy to track and is on your receipt.
They do have night classes and all different levels of classes.
We used to have an open sewing night once a month. It was wonderful. It did cost $5, but there were always snacks and pop/bottled water. Then it changed to $20 a month and they have food brought in for dinner. This made it impossible for me to go anymore because I just can't afford it.
Right before Christmas they had a Friday night and a Saturday where they did demos of different techniques and new notions available. Some women brought their husbands and then they could come back and shop for their wives. Most of the clerks get to know your tastes and when husbands/wives come into shop they can easily help them with choices. If anyone wanted to shop for me they would know not to sell drab, dark colors to give as a gift for me.
Men are always welcome, as a matter of fact both husband an wife work at different times in the store. All except one clerk welcomes me by name.
The hours do make it difficult to shop if you work full time. They close at 6:00 and are closed on Sundays. I do understand though because they have young children which makes it difficult to be open late. Sundays are out of the question because in this area it is all day Church and family time. During the classes that are offered I do believe that they would be happy to let people shop. All you would have to do is ask.
The punch cards were a pain in the neck for them. Now it is computerized so it is easy to track and is on your receipt.
01-16-2011, 03:24 AM
#65
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mid-West
Posts: 3,838
Some LQSs need to quit selling most notions.Who can afford to buy them? I just happened to be in 2 stores last wk,one I will visit again.They have fabric at 1/2 price & it's a good selection,flannels included....friendly service & lots of sample quilts.
The other place barely looks at new customers,says nothing & acts like it's a pain to leave their 3 ppl gab fest to cut fabric.The clerk then asked if I wanted the fabric in a sack? HUH ? No...I wanted to carry it out on a windy,snowy day.Guess which one I won't visit again.They obviously don't need my money.
The other place barely looks at new customers,says nothing & acts like it's a pain to leave their 3 ppl gab fest to cut fabric.The clerk then asked if I wanted the fabric in a sack? HUH ? No...I wanted to carry it out on a windy,snowy day.Guess which one I won't visit again.They obviously don't need my money.
01-16-2011, 04:07 AM
#67
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Florida Keys
Posts: 35
I like a relaxing atmosphere without pushy salespeople. Last time I was in my "local" shop, which is an hour away, the owner was really pushing the newest Bernina. It was a total waste of my time and I never even looked at fabric which is all $11.00 a yard.
01-16-2011, 04:22 AM
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: 53 degrees North
Posts: 1,679
I like it when there are library stools you can perch on if you are looking through the bolts that are down at floor level- I dislike having to walk around with my head hanging down at belybutton height as I browse fabrics, but that is what I always have to to- likewise my LQS displays FQs in a unit that has three different levels- I can only really see what is in the top one. Ditto on notions- I was sitting on the floor last time!
I wonder how it must be for others who have serious mobility issues, and I guess lots of quilters do, given the typical age profile.
I wonder how it must be for others who have serious mobility issues, and I guess lots of quilters do, given the typical age profile.
01-16-2011, 04:26 AM
#69
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mid-West
Posts: 3,838
SadieMae,I heard of a LQS somewhere that keeps track...maybe file cards? of customers "wish lists".
A DH can go in & buy just what is wanted for Christmas/BD etc.Just like a registry for wedding gifts.Sounds good...
A DH can go in & buy just what is wanted for Christmas/BD etc.Just like a registry for wedding gifts.Sounds good...
01-16-2011, 04:43 AM
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Clemmons, NC
Posts: 1,055
Originally Posted by knlsmith
There is an LQS where if the owner is in there she always has to conplain about lack of money one time. Don't even go there any more. Hate snotty workers. Just because I'm wearing a ball cap and sweats doesn't mean I can't afford to be there... Maybe I'm just relaxing or in a hurry.
What I like to hear is laughter, helpful tips, classes at all hours of the day and on weekends. Later hours a day or 2 a week. The $5/yard corner too!
My favorite that I see a lot is a couple of chairs by a window or the front door for husbands that get bored. Mine doesn't because he's too busy helping me pick things out and carrying bolts. :)
What I like to hear is laughter, helpful tips, classes at all hours of the day and on weekends. Later hours a day or 2 a week. The $5/yard corner too!
My favorite that I see a lot is a couple of chairs by a window or the front door for husbands that get bored. Mine doesn't because he's too busy helping me pick things out and carrying bolts. :)
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