Boost Your Quilt Shop Sales: Customer-Focused Ideas That Increase Sales

As a quilter, your passion is colors, fabric, and design. These are all superb assets when working with customers. However, maintaining streamlined front-office operations will help you expand your business. Here are some ways to move your business to the next level.

Use Targeted Software

Investing in a point of sale system is critical for sales tracking, inventory management, and customer retention. Quilt shop software helps you focus on customers and build your company’s reputation. Look for a POS that offers a full spectrum of features, including:

• Customer retention program

• Text messaging

• Cutting table checkout

• Inventory management

• Dynamic sales reports

Manage Inventory

Inventory rotation is necessary for every successful quilt shop. You can feature seasonal fabrics when clients are preparing for their holiday projects. Encourage customers to walk through the store by placing solid colors and basics toward the back. Place inexpensive impulse items near the cash register to increase your average sale value.

Offer Promotions

Create sales and discounts for both your in-person and online shoppers. Your POS software can help you notify all customers of sales by sending emails or text messages. Encourage customers to try something new by developing grab bags. While you may be tempted to use older materials that are not selling, try assembling ready-to-sew kits with current merchandise. Ideas for themes include:

• Holiday table runners

• Beginner quilting samplers

• Twin XL quilts for college students

• Scrappy fabric assortment

Reward Customers

Loyalty programs are a part of every retail establishment. Customer contact information, including their email and phone number, helps build a quality lead generation program. Be sure that your emails provide valuable information for your clients. Customers that sign up for the program can receive a free quilt pattern, notion, or template. After you have their information, offer coupons for additional products throughout the year. Promotions like birthday discounts or free fabric for referrals keep customers returning to your store.

Offer Variety

Styles have also changed, so be sure to offer a variety of fabrics to your customers. Quilting has evolved into an art form where fabric artists develop their style. Modern quilts typically have a minimalist style. However, they also feature high-contrast fabrics with non-traditional quilt blocks. Unlike traditional quilts, patterns may be off-center or asymmetrical.

Find Shop Hops

Quilting shop hops are a great way to introduce new customers to your store. Quilt hops have a passport with a list of all participating shops. Many shops offer freebies to participants. Rather than a notion, some shop hop organizers ask stores to create quilt block templates for those customers. At the end of the shop, your customer makes a quilt using the templates they received.

Use the Internet

Social media unites quilters all over the world. They showcase their art, ask questions, or build a community of like-minded individuals. Be sure that your business uses social media to expand your customer base. In addition, look for quilt-minded influencers that can promote your exclusive quilt designs.

Offer Assistance

Quilters will always ask questions or need to complete projects. Offer monthly workshops where customers can work on their outstanding projects. You can also offer seminars covering quilting techniques, block-making, or improvisational piecing. If you do not have the space to provide these services, consider a Sunday Tea where customers bring in their antique quilts for appraisal.

Activate Their Senses

Bring your customers’ shopping experience alive by engaging all five of their senses. Quilt shops are a visual masterpiece. People walk into quilt shops and enjoy the experience of seeing the colors, patterns, and fabrics. Let customers sample your products by putting out mini-charm squares. Ask customers to try sewing machines, rotary cutters, or notions while they shop. Slow, peaceful music encourages customers to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, while fast, upbeat music can encourage impulse purchases. Finally, scent marketing involves finding an aroma that permeates your shop and makes your customers comfortable. Look for cleaner-smelling scents that are not overpowering.

Making these changes will have a profound impact on the success of your business. Owning a quilt shop is about becoming your customers’ primary source for products, information, and support. As you develop stronger relationships with your customers, they refer your company to their friends and family.