I used to work in retail so I understand about rude customers. That is why I try to never be one. But I am always amazed when the salesclerks are rude to me without provocation. I have always learned to "vote with my feet" and I don't support those shops.

When I was working as a clerk in a book and video store I actually had a customer scream at me because I didn't have a pen for her to write a check with.

I am all for supporting our LQS, and let me tell you...I do!
But I am careful where I spend my money. If I don't like the way I am treated, I will go spend my money elsewhere. I don't think it my responsibility to help keep them in business, if they are rude, or make you feel like they are doing you a favor. Sometimes I want to say....don't forget who (customers) pay your salary. But I don't return rudeness with rudeness. I just make the decision whether it is worth it to shop in their store.

I rarely shop at Joanns, for various reasons, but will buy notions with a coupon. I also will buy from their remnants table because of the great prices. Great for making purses, tablecloths, and to upholster. We have a couple LQS who honor Joanns coupons for fabric and notions. Would rather give my money to the LQS.

I love most of our LQS, and want to give them my business, as long as they act like they want my business!

But it is hard to beat the convenience of shopping on line (especially in the winter). I can always find what I am looking for (not always easy at LQS) and I love the sale prices. I also receive coupons for on-line stores, and free shipping.

I love visiting quilt shops as we travel, we have met the most interesting people. DH usually checks out the main street of town first & then wanders in, he's always in shock if I come out without at least one bag. I have only ordered 2 times on-line when the fabric line I needed wasn't available after looking at local (within 100 kms) stores.
I love to shop in small grocery/specialty shops as well..not just to support them, but because I enjoy the atomosphere.

I totally agree. I was looking for a class on the one block wonder. None of the shops were having a class, but The Glass Thimble in Columbus, Ohio came to my rescue. One of the associates walked me through the entire process in a one-on-one situation. I will buy 99% of what I am quilting from them.

we have a great quilt shop that I am glad to buy from. They offer classes and are always friendly. Have gone to another quilt shop that I don't care to ever go back to.

im extremely lucky as there are 3 LQS within a mile ! of my house and thats not including Joanns or Hancocks.One of them is even open on Sunday,the woman who owns is said if she ever opened a shop up she would be open on sundays,when she was a pharmacuetical rep and quilted on the weekends,and if she needed something,there wasnt a shop open,and she did just that.its great

Well with our experience, we weren't rude nor demanding. She was intent on steering us to the more expensive machine and we thanked her for her time and left.
I, too was a small business owner for 20+ years. My customers were the life blood of my company. One does not treat a client or potential client like this. To act as if her day was interrupted because you walked in the door. If her "attitude" would have been more professional, she would have had a sale.

I shop at Joann's, the managers there are really nice. They don't hesitate to offer discounts if the merchandise isn't up to par. The fabrics they have are good enough for my uses. I don't break the bank when it comes to shopping for fabric. I buy what I need, scour the bargain bins. I don't see the need to pay $10.00 a yard for a fabric when Joann's has it for $5.00 a yard and it's the same thing. I bought 2 yards of a purple Batik last night for $3.50 a yard. Same stuff as the LQS has for 3 or 4 times that amount.

I have 2 quilt shops near me... well, one is right around the corner, the other is about 25 miles away. But you know what, I will gladly drive the 25 miles! That shop is so very friendly and welcoming, not to mention helpful when I have questions.
The one around the corner is (most of the time) quite snobbish. The gal designs for magazines and thinks she is above the rest of the world. A couple of times, I have gone in there and was treated surprisingly well, but the last time might just BE the last time I go there. They made me feel like I was a piece of dirt on the floor, for all the kindness they showed.
So I think the quilt shops should take heed and treat their customers (whether new or regulars) like they really WANT the business.

I do believe that we all have a good attitude going into a LQS because we have saved up or need that special thing for a project. But when a customer comes into ANY LQS they should be acknowledged right then and there. When we aren't well it goes down hill from there. We don't feel like we matter. There are some people that shouldn't even own a business. From all the comments, it still holds true. I do feel all your pain but I believe that those shops need to have letters sent to them about their rudeness. Who knows how many other letters they get?? It might change their ways?????????
Just a thought............................