I also do alot of shopping online. My LQS usually doesn't have fabrics that I love--no Civil War or 30's--I asked about the 30's and the salesperson said they don't carry them because they're ugly. So I shop for most of my fabrics locally at a fabric store that carries wonderful fabrics but isn't technically a quilt shop. Each January I do some fabric shopping at Road to California quilt show, too. I think, though, that most of us quilters are just LOADED with notions, fabrics, books, etc., and maybe the market is just SATURATED and that accounts for the slow down in buying. I just don't have any more room! I know the economy is bad, but I think some of the things I mentioned are playing a part in bad news for the quilt shops. I know I don't spend anywhere near what I have been spending for the past 10 years. I'm trying to use what I have. I have ordered a BOM from a favorite online store--I won't have to store alot of fabric when it comes one month at a time! Judy in Torrance

I have done my part to keep all quilt shops going!! To be honest, there are times I do shop via the Internet simply because I can find exactly what I want and the LQS don't carry the item.
I just ordered from The Hayloft in Morgantown PA (outside of Lancaster) http://www.hayloftfabrics.com Excellent service...I had my order within two days. I have been to the shop...and their notions wall is really wonderful. If you plan a trip to Lancaster...check this place out...and also before you go...check to see if they are offering any instore coupons to be used on your visit.

I don't look for the economy to even start to show some kind of recovery until the last quarter of 2009.

FW

Another MID MI quilt shop bites the dust... Aunt Nan's in Oxford is going out of business first two weeks in Jan they have sales.

Such a shame.

Heard rumors the one in Millington is also going out of business.

The economy really sucks.

I live in a rural area, and there is no LQS within a half hour of me...and the nearest one doesn't have a very inspiring selection. It would really be nice to have a shop nearby, that offered great selection, fun classes and other support. Since this isn't the case, I do most of my shopping on the internet. I've found many, many great sites, and can get virtually any fabric I need (and the more I browse, the more I "need"....!). Savings on gas and sales tax make up for shipping costs, plus many sites have sale and clearance sections with exceptionally good prices. And it is so fun to get a package of fabric in the mail!

It would also be nice to have a place nearby where I could get my sewing machines cleaned and serviced; the closest is an hour's drive from my house. I guess I can't get this done over the internet ): Where I used to live, in CA, there was a sewing machine repair/service man who came to your house...VERY convenient!

I have found that each quilt shop reflects the personality and tastes of the owner (and majority of the clients).

I have been fortunate to live in two thriving quilting cities since I began quilting 8 years ago (Houston and Denver). In each city, I had the choice of 8 to 10 shops within a reasonable drive. In each case, the shops were all different - some more traditional, some more artsy, etc..... I made the choice of the ones that a) the people who worked at the shop were friendliest to me and b) had material and products that I was most interested in.

I also do a LOT of shopping on line, and have found something similar - some are more friendly to shoppers than others. I have seen shops go out of business in both cities.... and the one in Houston than I am thinking of, and the one in Denver/Boulder that I am thinking of, both seemed to not be focused on customer service and keeping customers coming back. Neither of these shops appealed to me, so I rarely stopped in.

If I'm not in a big hurry, our LQS will order stuff that I want--book, notions, DVD--and that has worked well for me. It doesn't take much longer than ordering on line. I'm lucky that our LQS is only about 7 minutes away.

Pat in Rockport, TX

How are the LQS suppose to know what types of fabrics the quilters will want? First it is CW and repro that people by hot and heavy... then Aunt Gracies... now its 40s and 50 repro that show up everywhere. Brights and batiks will sell in one area but not another. How are the shops suppose to know?

I love DVDs I learn alot but should the shop I go to stock them all? Same for the books available... last year I counted just a 100 on my wish list I bought 12 as I allow myself one new book a month or I would run amoke.

If shoppers do not support their LQS realizing there is a limit as to what they can stock then the LQS will not be there for long.

cjtinkle wrote:
I couldn't agree more. When a shop continues to carry fabrics that the customers are not buying, that is not good business.

I will continue to support the local shops, but when they don't have the fabrics and supplies that I want, then I go to the internet. The shops need to adapt to the changing market if they want to survive. Marge

Well I don't have any quilt shops nearby me, heck my sewing machine dealer is a 6 hour round trip, but my opinion is that quilt shops need to evolve with the times.

If their market audience prefers to shop online, then they should be taking their business online. There's no reason at all that they can't cater to both markets, and are only hurting themselves by not adapting to the changing market.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

I splurged when Ricky had his sale too (not only did I have a gift certificate to Ricky's shop but I added my birthday money and then some) But to me, even though I am ordering on line when I order from Ricky, I don't feel guilty. His fabric isn't available in LQS's (not the handdyes) and it is like supporting a local. It is just a TQS local.

Ann (in Illinois waiting to go to retreat)

There's a LQS about 5 miles from my house that really is my "hangout" spot. They get my business the majority of the time. Another much larger one is about 45 minutes away. I visit that one because it's halfway on the drive to my daughter's home (where there are my darling granddaughters ) Another is about 35 minute south - but not being on the way to anywhere and w/ the price of gas, it's a rare visit.
I definately support the LQSs - but once in a while buy online. For example, I wanted a certain backing for a quilt I did as a class in a LQS (it was a kit) and the owner didn't want to order a whole bolt for me (understandably). But, as for quality, I already knew what the fabric would be like from the kit fabric.
Oh, and once I splurged when Ricky had a sale!!!

Hey all you MI gals.... take a ride to Hadley which is in Lapeer County ... ( 75 miles of Detroit) we are 20 minutes south east of Flint.

Our Quilt Show will be on September 12 and 13 th.... We always say IT IS WORTH THE DRIVE TO HADLEY.

I will be here all day Saturday... (Friday I work but I might get it off ) We have 5 quilt stores in a 20 mile radius up here... but Elaine's shop is the best. Come on over!


[url]
http://www.angelfire.com/art3/elainesquiltyshop/index.html
Quilty Shop Home Page

[url]

http://www.angelfire.com/art3/elainesquiltyshop/QS08.html

HADLEY MI QUILT SHOW INFORMATION

Thanks Kimber. Now that I have more mobility I can finally go find the quilt shops. I'll have to find Saline and check it out. I'm just off Michigan Ave.

Well, I'm near Saline! In Ann Arbor, actually. I'll check out the Quilting Season store. I must admit I haven't been there since they moved a couple of years ago. You know, the retail crunch is not specific to quilting stores. Any business that must pay rent and outfit a store, heat and air condition it, pay for utilities, pay employees, etc., etc., is forced to compete with online stores that have no such expenses, and can even operate out of their basements or garages. When you shop there, you must pay taxes. That, plus the price of gas, and you see some incredible differences in prices of goods. Add to that the "big box" chain stores who offer lower prices since they buy in bigger volume. And how many quilters can discern the difference between quality quilt shop fabrics and greige goods and knock-offs at JoAnn's. What is the answer? The local store must compete by offering services the online store cannot. OR - the store must get online too. We saved $1800 recently on a high definition television. There was no sales tax, and delivery was FREE. Would anyone out there opt for taking their business to the local store?