Opening a Quilt Shop
#1
Opening a Quilt Shop
I have been approached this past week about opening a quilt shop here locally. We used to have one but it fell through do to a partnership issue and not because there was not a demand for the products.
Has anyone here opened one? Or know of good books or online resources about all the undertakings of such an adventure?
Also what makes you love a quilt shop? The choice in fabrics? Kits? Classes? Or is it somethine else? I already have a long arm quilting business so I would still offer these services as well.
Any thoughts?
Has anyone here opened one? Or know of good books or online resources about all the undertakings of such an adventure?
Also what makes you love a quilt shop? The choice in fabrics? Kits? Classes? Or is it somethine else? I already have a long arm quilting business so I would still offer these services as well.
Any thoughts?
#2
I know that Stitchin' Heaven has a Quilt Owner's Boot Camp: http://www.stitchinheaven.com/bootcamp.asp . It sounds good to me and I would take it if I were considering a shop. I think she also offers a consulting service.
Good luck whatever your choice. It's tough starting a new business. I would also consider doing a survey on what people might like. I noticed that some stores carry a large variety of fabrics while others focus on only a few types. Do you have some good teachers in the area? How close is the nearest quilt store to your area?
Good luck whatever your choice. It's tough starting a new business. I would also consider doing a survey on what people might like. I noticed that some stores carry a large variety of fabrics while others focus on only a few types. Do you have some good teachers in the area? How close is the nearest quilt store to your area?
Last edited by caspharm; 12-20-2011 at 03:46 PM.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
Well, I for one, love a variety of things in a quilt shop and am lucky enough to live near a number of them. One of the things that I like the most about my two most local shops is that they know me there and they greet me by name. I think samples are the key to selling patterns and books so I like a shop that has lots of labeled samples made out of fabric they still have or similar to what they are selling. I do not like outrageous prices but I don't know how you would get around that in today's economy, especially with the new business start up costs.
I love that one of my shops has a free sit and sew on Sundays. Believe me, the purchases I make there during that time more than make up for the free aspect of it.
I wish you the best of luck! I love having local quilt shops around to tempt me!
I love that one of my shops has a free sit and sew on Sundays. Believe me, the purchases I make there during that time more than make up for the free aspect of it.
I wish you the best of luck! I love having local quilt shops around to tempt me!
#6
I think friendliness makes a huge difference. There is a shop in my hometown, but I drive 40 miles away to one that I like much better. The people in my LQS are not friendly at all and make me feel very uncomfortable when I go in there to just look around. I have been laid off for a looooong time, so looking is all I can afford to do right now, but you can bet that I will spend my money in the welcoming one....when I get some to spend, teehee.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 20,306
Friendliness, variety, and something I just can't put my finger on - but I will try to explain it. It is when you walk in the door and you feel comfortable , no pressure , like you are at a second home- you can't buy it - it has to be achieved . A store that has personality , maybe someone else here can help explain it better
As for learning the business do you have a local SCORE office check them out - they can be very helpful in setting up and running a small business. A quilt store is just a business so if you have a Long arm business you have a head start already - Good Luck
As for learning the business do you have a local SCORE office check them out - they can be very helpful in setting up and running a small business. A quilt store is just a business so if you have a Long arm business you have a head start already - Good Luck
#8
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,893
SCORE is a good place to start. It depends on how involved your longarm business is, as a mortar retail store is a lot more than a business in your home. City/state/federal laws, insurance, merchandising, and most important - location, locaiton, location... I've sent you a PM.
Good luck.
Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie
Quilter's Pantry
Good luck.
Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie
Quilter's Pantry
#9
If we had a local quilt shop it would be:
A good selection of fabric.
A decent selection of notions
Patterns and books.
Classes
Friendly but not the fake type (you know what I mean)
good customer service
maybe a rewards program of sorts?
drawings for freebies
community involvement
There is nothing worse than asking a question and someone looking at you like your an idiot and talking down to you. That is why I love this board, everyone is so helpful!!
A good selection of fabric.
A decent selection of notions
Patterns and books.
Classes
Friendly but not the fake type (you know what I mean)
good customer service
maybe a rewards program of sorts?
drawings for freebies
community involvement
There is nothing worse than asking a question and someone looking at you like your an idiot and talking down to you. That is why I love this board, everyone is so helpful!!
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