Originally Posted by fabric=fun

Fussycut and other owners, here is my story. First off, I need to say I live in a Quilter's Paradise in Massachusetts! There are 3 LQS's within 15 mins, 5 more in 30 mins and 8+ more within 45 mins. (Also three Joann Fabric stores within 30 mins). Not all in the same direction, but you get the idea. With one to three other friends, I average at least monthly trips (mini shop hops) to several of them at a time. We never come home empty-handed and make one or more purchases in each store.

I belong to two quilt guilds (each has close to 200 members) and these are active quilters who also regularly patronize these LQS's.
The closest LQS store owners make themselves visible by participating and getting to know quilters without overt advertising or commercials at the guild meetings. They gain their business through friendliness and having their customers spread the word about where to get which fabrics.

The LQS's strive to be unique as a destination with their personal touch and selection of fabric categories. The ones that I/we frequent least often are either poorly organized or messy shops, staff that are preoccupied with each other, or too distracted to offer a smile to customers. (This happens rarely since their competition is near by).

Many use e-mail for monthly newsletter or notice of sales or a special limited discount, special events, etc. Again with a personal touch they are friendly.

We do our best to support them and they respond by appreciating us and our business. They even make referrals to each other if you are looking for a particular fabric type.

Originally Posted by roseOfsharon

I agree with Polly on the price I wish to pay. I know that LQS need support and I am sure they get plenty. I have two near me, just found the second by meeting a lady at Joanns. I went there and was given the tour of the shoppe and it was a wonderful shoppe. The lady that did the tour was sweet and helpful, but I will say there was one at the front counter that was sour, I don't know if it was that time of "month" or just her personality. That is a turnoff on having to deal with her in the future. I plan to return again and search out on my own, fabrics and class information and see how I feel of the reception. Todays times we have to be watchful of what we spend and what we get for our dollars. It is not to say We all would not wish to buy the finest and stitch away, but for many that is not the case, so it is important to remember that, when this line of topic is presented. The main goal of quilting is to enjoy making and whatever one uses to accomplish that goal is what matters. So please keep in mind the sensitivity of putting a price on fine, finer and finest quality of quilting. We all are here to enjoy each other and learn and to be a family. Happy quilting everyone :)