Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 9 - American Quilt Retailer

Posted on October 3, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Editing your business plan

There are many tasks none of us want to return to since our businesses have been up and running.

Often times this never-return list includes looking for the perfect space, starting from scratch, and (you guessed it) writing a business plan.

Well I’m here to tell you that—like most things in this world—you’re going to have to go back to the drawing board!

And that’s okay, the preconceived notion that a business plan is a firm document is simply wrong, business plans should be flexible and should change with the company.

So, how should you go about editing your business plan? Thankfully you don’t have to start from nothing. Unless you’re making major changes, choose one section of your plan and make gradual changes. Remember that each change should meet your new goals.

Further, it can really help if you have a supporting document to keep track of all the numbers. That means with any new purchase you make, you can update the number spreadsheet to make editing your business plan easier when that time comes around. Keeping a number spreadsheet helps keep things accurate and factual. (Pro tip: insert another column titled something along the line of “updates” so you know what you changed and when).

When figuring out what changes to make, it sometimes helps to look at other businesses outside the industry. Think about other local businesses; what do they do well and what could they do better? Think about changing technologies and how you can get them in your door, too.

Editing your business plan doesn’t need to be done more than once a year, unless you’re a new business or have encountered some major change in operation. Don’t forget to add changing your business plan to your list of annual tasks to keep your business moving forward.

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 September 27, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

New Conference at Quilt Market 2019

Quilts, Inc. is offering a new conference at Quilt Market 2019 titled Threads of Success.

The educational experience will run concurrently with the Quilt Market in Houston, TX happening October 26-28, 2019, targeting those new to the industry and those trying to make a breakthrough in the industry too.

The conference will focus on four areas including writing, online retail, and fabric and pattern design. There will be 36 classes geared toward those topics, along with others covering the basics of copyright law, accounting, and finance.

In addition to the classes, the conference will also include three breakfasts and two luncheons with keynote speakers, and a mentorship program who can help guide you along the process of turning your passion into your career.

And don’t worry about missing out on the Market fun, you’ll have time to enjoy the trade show floor on the last day!

This conference provides opportunities to network and get all your questions answered so you can avoid making costly mistakes when you get your business up and running. Any question you need answered—how do I get published, how do I increase my online presence, how do I manage money, and more—is what this conference is all about.

“Threads of Success will bring together our industry hopefuls and our most successful and respected industry leaders,” said Director of Education for Quilts, Inc. Marcia Barker. “It is truly a win-win for all. The participants will have access to those experienced in all aspects of the industry, providing answers to their lingering questions and perhaps some they haven’t even thought of yet! Because isn’t that the true strength of gathering talent? To learn from each other in ways you could never anticipate. We are very excited to be providing that forum.”

More information will be released as the date of the conference approaches. If you’d like to stay updated, subscribe to this email, or check out their website.

Posted on September 19, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

The Creative Balance

If only someone had the answer to the age old question; how do I make a career as an artist? The harsh reality is—you can’t.

Owning your own quilt shop is about the closest thing to monetizing a creative endeavor as you can get, and I’m sure we all count that blessing when we take time to appreciate the things we have.

But some days it’s really hard to appreciate! Being a small business owner is a lot of work, and there are both mundane and difficult tasks that need to be done in order to keep the business going.

The next time you have ten minutes to spare, watch this video with advice from Elizabeth Gilbert where she outlines the difference between hobbies, jobs, careers, and vocations.

Gilbert outlines that out of those four words, the only thing you have to have is a job. And doesn’t that stink! But at the end of the day, everyone has one, regardless of if you were born into gentry or not. Don’t view your job as something that you have to love, because you don’t. That’s where hobbies come in. A hobby is something you like to do. But hobbies are also something you don’t have to love, just things you enjoy.

Now a career is a job that you need to love. If you’re in a career and you don’t love it, I’m sure it’s terrible. A career is a job you’re willing to put more time and effort into because you truly believe in the cause. It is more than just a transaction where you put in work in order to get money to survive in the materialistic world.

The thing that lets you contribute to the artistic world—the world we all so badly want to be more involved in—is a vocation. A vocation is the thing you were born to do. Although it takes a lot of self-discipline to remain true to your vocation (especially if you have a job), our vocation is the thing that provides the most meaning and fulfillment into our lives, and others.

If you find yourself confusing what each of these words are to bring to your life, go back to the video. Hopefully it will bring you as much peace of mind and clarification the second time around.

Posted on September 12, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Quilt Market Audience

Believe it or not, quilting is a $3.7 billion industry.

With a number that large, it’s easy to feel optimistic about the futures of our businesses. The next step is to figure out who is contributing to that market, and cater to their wants and needs.

There are anywhere from 7 to 10 million quilters in the United States, and 72% of them are dedicated quilters showing this industry has both quality and quantity within it’s following.

The average dedicated quilter is a 63 year old female with a household income of $93,000 according to this report. They spend over $3,000 a year on quilting and prefer traditional quilting over modern techniques.

To keep in mind the future of the industry don’t forget quilters aged 45 and under, otherwise known as new quilters. Although they are not considered dedicated quilters due to time constraints with work and family, they still spend about 10 hours a week quilting and have an average household income of $98,000. They get their information mainly from video and social media and prefer modern quilting techniques.

By 2020, 72% of all social media posts will include video. Even though video can be a daunting task, it is what the industry is moving to—better to start now rather than later! Making your own videos will make it more likely that new quilters will attend an event in shop considering only 26% of new quilters attended a quilt show last year.

This article isn’t trying to persuade you to only cater to dedicated quilters or new quilters, variety is a good thing! Keep doing what you’re doing and continue to be your community’s expert on all things quilting.

Posted on September 5, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Fall into Autumn

Labor Day weekend has come and gone which means it’s time to start transitioning your store into the season of warm colors.

Check out these latest trends to help you update your layout, products, and events.

Plaid is this season’s biggest trend and we couldn’t be happier about it! Think 80’s plaid — or houndstooth, herringbone, and glen’s plaid to be specific.
Bigger is better this fall so grab your baggiest coat and encourage your customers to go for the quilt that’s one size bigger than planned. (And don’t forget to stock up on extra bolts of fabric too!)
Hint of sparkle. This can be especially fun for your layout around the store, think about what decorations you already have for other seasons to save you some time.
It’s game time! Football season is just beginning and your customers will for sure fall for the cutest way to rep their team. Don’t limit your inventory to just fabric, try to include ribbon, buttons, and even a craft day for an easy event.
Speaking of events, scarves are in season again (as if they ever went out of style). Throw an event to make scarves for those in need when the holidays get closer.
Muted flowers are going to be everywhere. Take a look at the next wedding you go to and you’ll see we really mean it. Pastels are going to be the colors to choose from.

Fall doesn’t have to be all bad, have your store reflect the season that so many people look forward to. Yes, the weather starts to cool off but pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and leaves changing colors are definitely something to look forward to.

Posted on August 22, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Your Store and You

When was the last time you walked into a small business and it took your breath away?

If you have to think about it, maybe it’s time to revamp your store!

I’m sure we’ve all had that wow moment, when we opened up the door into a shop and came into something completely unexpected. That’s the feeling our stores should give us every single time.

This blog talks about having your social presence reflect who you are, but shouldn’t your store do that too?

On the surface, being a business owner doesn’t seem to give much room for creativity. But when it comes to your store, you have just that.

We as creatives know what image we want our product to have, so curate your store to be like the life you want to have, too.

hunt and gather.jpeg — The facade of one of the best curated stores I’ve ever been to. (Hunt & Gather in Minneapolis, MN)

That means if you like your life a little cluttered and messy, then that’s okay to have your store like that! No, I’m not kidding, throw away that traditional cookie cutter nonsense and give your store that thrift-shop vibe if that’s what you want.

If you like things cookie cutter, then go way cookie cutter. If purple is your favorite color, then have everything in your store be purple. If DIY is your thing, then DIY everything in sight until it’s exactly what you want. Heck, even have your husband help you make the tables!

Have what’s next for your store constantly on the back of your mind, curating an appearance takes time so take it, it’s the one thing on your to-do list that can wait. Start with what you have and do some experimenting to see what works and what doesn’t, what customers like and don’t, but most importantly what takes their breath away.

There’s always something to do with our stores, and it’s easy to become complicit in the way they look. If you keep changing up things around the store though, you never have to worry about it staying the same.

Posted on August 15, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

What does Labor Day mean to you?

With Labor Day just a few weeks away, American Quilt Retailer took some time to reflect on just what this holiday means.

To some, Labor Day is just another day off.

To others, Labor Day is more symbolic, representing the end of summer and the beginning of a transition to colder months.

Some people use the extra time to look at what their job means to them. Yes, it puts food on the table, but how can we motivate those we work with? How can we add value to the workplace? Do we make people excited to work by our sides every day, or proud to say you’re their coworker?

Some people use the extra time to give back to their employees. Maybe your store isn’t having a huge sale that is going to bring a lot of extra cash into next month’s budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some wiggle room to take everyone out to lunch.

Others use Labor Day to catch up. What’s been on that to-do list for far too long? Maybe you can dust the shelves (yes that means you have to take everything off them first)! Or write some long overdue thank you notes-because we all know it’s better late than never when it comes to thanking someone. Or you can tackle two birds with one stone; throw an event on Labor Day to get the best of both worlds. You can use the event as the only time you’re going to work that day to still get some time to celebrate yourself.

And speaking of, don’t forget to do just that! After all, Labor Day was made for those who labor, you can worry about the work load again on Tuesday.

Posted on August 9, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

JAFTEX Facebook Live Shop Tour Challenge

This August, the president of JAFTEX Scott Fortunoff is hosting a competition for the opportunity to have him visit your store!

For those of you who don’t know, the collection of companies under the JAFTEX name include The Blank Quilting Corp., FreeSpirit Fabrics, Henry Glass Fabrics, Studio E Fabrics, Fabric Editions, and A.E. Nathan Co., Inc.

The idea for the competition stemmed from a couple quilt shop tours Scott has been taking this summer to highlight some amazing quilt shops around the United States that really go above and beyond.

After the first few tours, Scott started to receive many requests to visit others. That’s when Scott came up with the idea for the challenge, what better way to make the best use of time and being efficient than by going on virtual tours?

Here’s the gist: Post a 15 minute video of your brick and mortar store (either on Facebook live or just on your company’s Facebook page) during the month of August and tag @jaftexpresident. The video with the most likes on the Scott Fortunoff Executive Facebook Page will win the opportunity to have him visit your store and get some free Jaftex fabrics! Scott also requests that there be some charitable component of his visit. This part of the competition includes the U.S. and Canada (but excludes Alaska and Hawaii).

If you’re reading this outside of that territory—have no fear! The competition is global, and the video with the most likes outside of the U.S. and Canada (including you Alaska and Hawaii) will get 10 free bolts of any JAFTEX fabric shipped to your store at Scott’s expense.

Some tips for how to make your video great include practice, tidying up, and having fun! Show off what makes your store different, include any events or specials your store hosts, and show off some JAFTEX fabrics while you’re at it.

The best way to shoot a video from your phone is to hold it horizontally, make sure you have good wifi, move and talk slowly, and check out the lighting before you start. You can find out more tips and details about the competition at Scott Fortunoff’s blog.

Posted on August 1, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

The Pursuit of Design

I was reading an article today about UI/UX design and I couldn’t help but to think about the quilting industry.

UI/UX design is a cousin to graphic design, think about every time you open an app or even turn on your computer. The words and graphics on the page start the user experience you are going through, what happens when you click on those words or graphics continues that experience and overall influences—subconsciously or not—what you think about that company or brand. (Check out the above linked article for an even better/more in depth explanation if you’re interested.)

So what does UI/UX have to do with quilting?

Honestly, nothing. But the word “design” does.

What does design mean? As creatives, I think we can relate to the fact that design isn’t a concrete idea, nor are the tools and processes used to get to a design.

Think of your store as a design. (After all, you did design it!) Every time a customer walks through your front door, the experience begins through sights, smells, sounds, and more. Every time someone visits your website, or scrolls through your Instagram or Pinterest, that experience continues. And subconscious or not, they will start making assumptions to associate with you or your business.

When you think about it like that, doesn’t that change how you view every thing you put into your store? Doesn’t that change your perspective on where you get inspiration, and what you do with that inspiration?

I don’t know about you but it made me begin to ask questions about the companies, brands, and products I love. It ultimately made my creations more creative because this idea made me see things in a new light and look for things I hadn’t been searching for.

Even if this article doesn’t give you food for thought, I hope you have the same epiphany moment that I experienced to get your store one step closer to what you want it to be.

Posted on July 25, 2018 by AQR Piece by Piece — Leave a comment

Dog Days of Summer

The dog days of summer are upon us. Friday afternoons are spent counting down the minutes and itching to leave. And Sunday scaries are even worse with coworkers taking advantage of their vacation time, knowing the week’s work load will be even more than it already is.

The weather is the best it’s going to be all year long, and yet I’m still completely uninspired.

Here are some suggestions to get through this summer slump.

Change your scene. That’s right, take a vacation and unplug, baby. Work will still be there when you get back. I know it requires some forethought but getting the heck out of dodge can help you appreciate everything you have when you return. And yes, it also stinks to come back to a pile of things to do, but to really ward off burnout make sure you take as much time as you need to come back feeling inspired and refreshed.
Read and write. As if we don’t do enough of that already. Reading anything and everything you can will broaden your knowledge, and writing it down will help you decipher those true strokes of genius when you stumble upon them in a long lost note in your phone.
Workout. Making time for the gym is definitely the hardest part about a workout (first find a routine that works for you), but making that time will make you a better boss/employee/creative/etc. in the long run. Take some time for you, let those endorphins release, and reap the benefits.
Bask in boring. That’s right, sometime our best ideas are born out of the most boring of days. That’s because our minds want and need to be stimulated. Once you think you’re going to go crazy, the creative gears start turning.

Don’t forget that it’s okay to take care of yourself, being a small business owner (and living out our dreams) requires hard work and means were constantly on the grind. If this summer is stifling your creative process, take some time to get back on track.