July 19, 2010

Sometimes I write the Monday Blast at Heartbeat on Monday; sometimes at home on Sunday. This is a Sunday night Blast. At home I'm more relaxed and therefore, my thoughts more reflective. 

We (friends, family, and customers) are more conscious these days about where and how we spend our money, how much to pay, and whether we really need it at all, but stop for a moment and think about the future. 

In our quilt shops we often hear customers talking about how they can purchase an item for less online than in the “brick and mortar” store where they are standing. I understand most of us want/need to economize. We quilters will continue to purchase gorgeous fabric, new books, and patterns, or quilting “stuff”. Remember that a ‘real’ store provides many ‘free’ services to you. Free to you, but not without cost to the shop. If you go elsewhere to purchase, eventually the store and those services will disappear. Choosing to make purchases through online discounters, chains, or craft stores rather than patronizing your local quilt shop may very well contribute to the shop's demise.

Some of the services you get from a quilt shop, in person or by telephone:
✔ Advice on selecting fabric for any project
✔ Assistance with sewing problems
✔ Information on new products and feedback from other customers
✔ Hands on classes
✔ Interacting with other quilters (at Heartbeat there are many international quilters)
✔ A quilt shop to call if you are homebound or on vacation and need a special piece of fabric to complete a project.
✔ A place to browse through fabric to see colors and patterns come alive and hug that special bolt you love most!
✔ Comfort and a friendly atmosphere when you need “someone to talk to”

You get the idea! Please email me to tell me what benefits you get from visiting a quilt shop.

Shops are closing at an alarming rate across the US. Stores like Heartbeat, regardless of their size, provide more than just a product. Information is shared between customers, teachers, and staff. The quilt shop is, as my friend, Marsha McCloskey, told me many years ago, “The Other Place”. Some people hang out at bars, sports events, and other locations. But for us the “Other Place” is our local quilt shop. 

So, the next time you consider a purchase or are simply in need of inspiration, patronize your local quilt shop. If you choose not to support your local shop, eventually the 'Other Place' will be no more.