Little Lulu

I patronize a local shop in Rome, GA that is very successful. They too sell machines (Babylock), but I think the success of their business is education. They offer a variety of classes. The reason I say this is if we don't educate the next generations, then our craft will perish. If I am interested in a technique/project, and you educate me to success then I am most likely to continue and see other projects that I feel I can succeed. Their class studio is great, and they bring in experts in various techniques. I actually drive 3 hours each way to take a class. Check them out at www.thestitcheryrome.com . The owner's name is Stephanie. Good luck

ILoveToQuilt

From what I've been told by various LQS owners, just to order fabric alone is in excess of $100,000 to start! You can't have just one or two bolts of fabric. You need a line of credit to buy the fabric. Do you have collateral that would cover your credit line? Now add on gizmos, patterns, machines (if you carry them), employees (taxes, unemployment tax, worker's comp, salary [$15/hour will break the business], liability insurance (someone gets hurt in your store), rent/mortgage, utilities, unexpected items (i.e., water heater needs replacement), permits, legal assistance to set up business, licensing (if town requires), etc....can you actually afford to open a business? My DH and I have thought of opening a LQS in northern Maine, but the cost has proved prohibitive.

Just because you like something or it is a hobby, think before you leap. Another word of caution: your family/friends will support you, but if like most, they will expect "favors" - money off, free stuff, etc. After all, they are your family/friends. Once or twice, okay, but you will not make your shop work if this is a constant.

Best advice: do take classes from Small Business Association. Read as much as you can. Talk to various shop owners. If talking to an LQS, you may want to avoid talking to one in your area (no one wants competition).

Good luck

luvstoquilt

How badly do you want it? How hard and long are you willing to work? When I retired from my career in Military Electronic Purchasing Management I wanted to become a Realtor. Many told me it was not a good idea and I would never make a decent living. I listened but then I followed my dream and I was absolutely successful. I am now totally retired as I should be at 77. But I say follow your dreams and put your eyes on your goals. We have all seen great stores close but we have also seen others thrive. My favorite store is about an hour away. It is beautiful and she has all sorts of samples. It is neat, clean and just a comforting place to be. She has a weekly newsletter and classes going constantly. My friends and I can beat her prices online but we want her to succeed so we shop there. We feel the services she provides, the tips, the friendship, etc. are worth every penny we spend there. Yes, we go to other shops but she is our home base. Check out her shop at www.quiltmerchant.com. She is located in Illinois and I am just a customer with no personal financial interest.

ptquilts

I would talk to a few of the owners of Closed quilt shops and find out why they closed.

Stitchnripper

I don't know anything about retail or running a shop but this sounds like a great idea to me. I would love something like that.

sprice

lindaschipper had some great advice I would agree with. I think to be successful as a LQS these days you have to be very big and offer classes, machines, etc. The smaller stores are closing.

Jordan

My husband and myself have owned businesses just not quilt shops and it is hard to rely on the public to support you. I had considered opening a shop different times in my life but after talking to other shop owners I decided to just be a customer. The owners say it is hard work and lots of time maintaining the shop. I would wish you well and if you start small and maybe online orders only would be a great start. You can do it I am sure if you have the determination which it sounds like you do then I say go for it and try it. As someone told me long time ago "you don't know if you don't try it". Good luck in your journey and I wish you well. You can do it!!!!

joyce888

Keep in mind when you run a business based on a passionate hobby, the hobby is now a business that will be a total turnaround from what you enjoy. For years by husband tried to get me to open a shop. When I thought about the hours, investment, and profitability. I knew I would loose that enjoyment and at my age (50 yrs) I didn’t want to add that stress. If your the type of person that loves fabric, enjoys the planning of a project more than the actual construction maybe a business is the right fit.

Nesie

I am of two minds on this issue. As the daughter of a man who owned his own small series of luncheonettes, I know it is much more time consuming than people realize. Being "your own boss" is not as freeing as it seems. Having said that, I can say I've driven many a mile to go to a Quilt Shop that is distinctive. (Welcoming staff, selection, unique ideas). We had one in our town that I avoided simply because they didn't focus on those things. I think it would also depend on where you are located. As previous posters have said, you could "pick the brains" of local business owners for their perspectives. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

judykay

I Love the idea of a fabric consignment store. I would definitely go to one. I am always searching at the local thrift store for fabric but in our area there are very few donations of fabric or craft supplies that come in.