AQR Piece by Piece, Author at American Quilt Retailer

Posted on April 10, 2019April 8, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Why You Should Shop at Small Businesses

I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but this post serves as a reminder to how supporting small and local businesses impacts you and your community. Feel free to share with your customers the next time the topic comes up!

Small businesses define communities

Think back to when you were a child – what stores do you remember and why do you remember them? Likely these stores were a staple of your community, that also happened to have great products. Local businesses add character to a neighborhood, and provide it’s employees freedom that large companies stifle. Thanks to this, innovation is more likely to thrive in a small business. Do you remember the last time you were sad hearing of a business that closed down? Small businesses become more than just an economic driver and add to the well-being of a community.

Small businesses have better service

Local businesses face many challenges to stay afloat in their respective marketplaces, marketplaces that are only becoming increasingly more competitive. Because of this, you’re likely to receive better and more personalized service; this means you’ll never be put on hold when you call and they’re going to know your name when you walk in. You’ll never have to worry about who’s interests are being met, whether it be stockholders, boards, or an algorithm, small businesses have your needs in mind.

According to Forbes, shopping at small businesses is a sign of respect, not only for the product but for the owners, too. It takes a lot of work and heart to get something going, and supporting that benefits all parties involved. Share your tips below on how you encourage others to support local businesses, and what small businesses have inspired you.

Have you heard the news? American Quilt Retailer is hosting the opening session at spring Quilt Market in Kansas City! Their Schoolhouse Series includes breakout sessions and an opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge from the people who make, design, or write about the products you sell. Register to attend today.

Posted on April 3, 2019April 1, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Check Out Your Checkout

Have you ever thought about what your checkout counter should or shouldn’t have? When you think about it, it’s the most important part of your store (aside from the window display, but that’s encouraging business from the outside in). By the time customers make it to checkout, they’re ready to spend their hard earned cash on the products you’ve provided. Here are some ideas to make the most of that space.

Encourage impulse buys. This is a great place to put gift cards and small, must need items. Examples include thimbles, rotary cutters, needles, and other quilting notions. Anything you can think of that would nicely round out a crafting project should be placed here.
Spice up the place. Adding a plant to the counter or quotes that inspire you are easy ways to do this. This is also a great place to put seasonal decorations, and to make a statement with your personal style. Having art on the counter can transform the entire room. Also make sure you have great lighting here, too.
Advertise. This is the one place in the store customers are static and attentive. If you’ve been thinking about adding a TV to your store, behind the checkout counter is the perfect place to do it. Have a slideshow of different store products run all day. If you’d rather skip this, then definitely put your social media handles in the vicinity to grow your social following.

What else can I add to my checkout?

If you contribute to a charitable cause, your checkout is a perfect place to display that, and to encourage others to donate. Every business has a checkout counter, so take note of what they include and what you’ve bought last second. Talking to other business owners is always a great way to get ideas. Share your thoughts by commenting below; let us know what has worked for you.

Posted on March 27, 2019March 25, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Industry Changes

The quilting industry, like anything, is constantly changing. These changes vary from learning how to promote your business on social media or building a website, but there are still trends that affect your brick-and-mortar store.

A Sustainable Industry

Consumers are becoming more aware of where their products come from and how they are made. Nobody feels happy about giving money to a company who makes goods out of sweat shops, or a company with blatant disregard on their waste. How much do you know about the products you carry? How could you go about finding out more about their carbon footprint?

Payment

Consider how many customers wrote you checks this month, compared to 10 years ago. I would guess the amount of electronic transactions your business receives (and let’s be honest, gives) has drastically declined. Look into different payment options; does your store have an iPad that could benefit from Square? Has anyone asked you recently if you accept Apple pay? Does setting up direct deposit to pay your employees make more sense?

Customer Data

Online customers and in-store customers are equally important. How much do you know about the purchasing history of people who walk into your store? What customers prefer shopping online? Who does both? With multiple ways to get to your product, it’s important to keep tabs on this information so you can tailor an amplified experience when a customer comes in your door.

People who say retail is dying is missing the point; what is retail but an experience? Those who can maximize the experience for the customer while maintaining their brand are the retail stores that will continue to thrive.

Of course, there are many trends that effect the way customers shop, and how stores can meet their needs. Leave a comment if you’ve noticed any changes or have any suggestions.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.

Posted on March 20, 2019November 30, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — 1 Comment

Meet Apron Strings Quilt Shop

Apron Strings Quilt Shop
Located in historic downtown Maysville, Kentucky, Apron Strings Quilt Shop is a 2017 Better Homes & Gardens Quilt Sampler Featured Shop. In 2013, Apron Strings relocated their shop to Maysville, a traditional small town “river town” with a charming historic downtown area.
Continue reading Meet Apron Strings Quilt Shop

Posted on March 20, 2019March 18, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Inspiring the Next Generation

How can quilters inspire the next generation?

When I started thinking about this topic I imagined kids, young girls (or boys) around eight to 14 who like to spend time with grandma and want to learn some of the things grandma can do.

As I started researching this project, I soon found out my idea of the “next generation” needed to be much broader.

As it turns out, many young people—think ages eight to late 20s—want to learn how to quilt but don’t know how to start.

Young Adults

There are many obstacles preventing these young adults from taking the next step; they don’t have access to a sewing machine, they weren’t introduced to the craft until they received a baby blanket for their first child, etc.

But there are many ways quilt retailers can help. Having classes where everyone is a beginner is a good place to start.

Also reaching out to this audience where they already are is a good idea. This social media-saavy demographic can even help you, if you don’t feel comfortable with Instagram take a poll at one of your events to find out what content your audience would like to see, then cater to that. As with anything, the more you use something, the easier it will become.

Youth

As for youth, it turns out classes are a good way to reach them too. Consider having a mother/daughter event that goes over the basics of sewing, and have easy projects so attendees can leave feeling accomplished.

The DIY industry is bigger than ever, it’s just up to us to tap into new talent.

Leave a comment below of your favorite children-inspired or quilting for beginners products and media.

Posted on March 13, 2019March 11, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

History of Quilting

The history of quilting; one subject I had never considered even though I have been quilting nearly all my life.

The question came to mind as I thought about best practices to influence younger generations into the art form (that post to come). What makes people like quilting? When and where did it start?

And that’s when I realized, I had no idea what the history was. I had always assumed it was a tradition passed generation from generation, but how did the tradition begin?

Origin

Although an exact date is not known, quilting is thought to have begun sometime between the first century B.C. to second century A.D. and the oldest quilt was found on the carved figure of a Pharaoh who ruled during Egypt’s First Dynasty, 3400 B.C.

Quilts were also found useful during the Middle Ages—knights would wear them beneath armor for comfort and throw quilts over armor to protect from the elements.

The New World

Flash forward to settlers coming to the new world, although no quilts can be found from this time, the art of quilt making likely arrived with the inhabitants.

The reason why no quilts could be found makes sense; quilts were utilitarian. They became useful, everyday tools: to provide warmth on a bed, mats for children, walls in one room houses, and more.

The earliest surviving American quilt is dated at 1704, thanks to an exposed newspaper clipping used as padding.

Modern Traditions

Quilting transformed into a social event during the settlement of the Great Plains as a way for women to socialize. Quilts also transformed into heirlooms and a form of fundraising, especially during the World Wars, and even continuing into today.

So why did quilts survive the test of time? Because the problem they solve still exists—protection from the elements—and as it turns out quilts are a great way to do just that.

*To dive deeper into these subjects, check out these websites.

Posted on March 6, 2019March 4, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — 1 Comment

Pets in the Workplace

Pets in the workplace; yay or nay?

As of 2015, eight percent of workplaces allowed employees to bring their pet to work, a three percent increase from 2013. More recent numbers haven’t been released, but with prominent companies like Google and Amazon allowing employees to bring their furry companions, I’m sure that number has grown.

Benefits of Pets

Does your shop have a pet? If it doesn’t, you may want to reconsider.

According to this research, dog-friendly workplaces had less rates of absenteeism and higher productivity. They even reduce stress among pet-owning employees and are said to make a workplace more friendly.

Allowing a pet at work is not only a cheap wellness option (pets lower blood pressure), but could also come in handy when recruiting new hires too.

Concerns

Of course, there are many variables to take into consideration including allergies and checking with the landlord if you don’t own your building.

Other risks might be jeopardizing new business if your customers don’t like pets at work, or unforeseen risks.

To minimize these risks, make sure pets have fully updated vaccinations, maintain good hygiene, introduce them to the workplace slowly, and inform staff of dietary restrictions and needs.

Evaluate

Be sure to do your due diligence. What pets are allowed? Where are they allowed? Should you pet owners sign a waiver?

Ask around at other local businesses that include pets and think how your business compares. What do customers think? How long have the pets been around? What problems have they had?

What is your opinion on furry friends in the workplace? Leave a comment below to weigh in on the conversation.

Posted on March 1, 2019November 30, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Meet Back Porch Fabrics

Back Porch Fabrics
Store name: Back Porch Fabrics
Store owner: Gail Abeloe
Address and phone number: 157 Grand Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950; (831) 375-4453
Region of the country: California West Pacific
Years in business: 23
Website: http://www.backporchfabrics.com
Continue reading Meet Back Porch Fabrics

Posted on February 27, 2019February 25, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

How to Shake the Winter Blues

Are the winter blues making you feel uninspired?

We can all agree we’ve reached the point of winter where news of more snow makes us groan. Spring may be around the corner, but it doesn’t feel like it. And if you’re like me, you’ve contemplated a last second trip to a much warmer place.

This list isn’t going to tell you to print a photo of a beach to hang at your desk (hey, if that works for you, don’t let me stop you), but it will help change your mindset so you can make the most of this weather until warmer days come.

How to shake the winter blues

Lean into the boredom. The days may be dragging, but—believe it or not—boredom may be the answer to inspiring creativity. There is science to back this claim, but many artists also claim that having a job also inspires this creativity. Lucky for you, you have both, so the next time you have a big idea, go for it.
Meditate. There are apps to help you do this, but research shows that some is better than none. There is also a plethora of research that show the benefits, but after the first time I’m sure you won’t need convinced to do more.
Retrain your thinking. I’ve been struggling with this line: “What’s good is bad and what’s bad is good.” My busy schedule has made me used to not having free time, so when I find myself with it I don’t know how to enjoy it. I’ve come to enjoy what’s bad (never taking time for myself) to hating what’s good (having free time to enjoy time to myself). Take the time this winter to retrain this mindset.

Winter activities may be more constrained than summer ones, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be just as enjoyable. Rest is good, and hopefully these changes can help you enjoy it.

Posted on February 20, 2019February 18, 2019 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

It’s Time for a Website Overhaul

It seems like 2019 is the year of the website; almost everyone I know is working on or trying to update theirs.

The best advice I’ve heard this this: your website should reflect you.

Think about what you want – and what you want to evoke. Use these guidelines to help set a goal for your site before you start the project.

Website Content

What should a website include? I think the best answer is whatever you want your company’s webpage to do. No two sites are the same, which can be the best and worst part about the process.

Also think about how much maintenance you want to put into your website; if you want to include a weekly or bi-monthly blog, then by all means go for it! Be realistic when you consider how much time you really have though, if you already feel stretched too thin have your webpage include more evergreen features.

Your site should address the who, what, and where immediately on your homepage, and all information should not be more than three clicks away. When it comes to copy, less is more.

Funding the Project

And the part nobody likes to talk about – price. Remember you get what you pay for, so if you don’t currently have a website budget, start one.

While you wait for the site savings to grow, do some research with local businesses (with webpages you like) to see who built their website and how much they spent. Also while you’re waiting for more funds, keep up to date with what you like, don’t like, and want for your website so you’re ready when design begins.

Planning Ahead

In today’s social media-driven society, plan on addressing your site again in five years. Whenever changes happen within your business, your website should reflect that, too.

Find your annual checklist and add a site review to that list. The more work we do in the meantime means less work when it comes time for another website overhaul.