Owning a fabric store includes a blend of creativity, passion, and a touch of business savviness. Whether you’ve been in the industry for years or are just getting started, figuring out how to bring more customers through your doors is key. It’s not just about having the most beautiful fabrics on the shelves — you need to craft an experience that makes people want to come back again and again.
There’s something about fabric shops, too. It’s the feel of a good fabric in your hands that online shopping just can’t match. But with so many people turning to the internet for their shopping needs, it’s important to think outside the box to get people into your store.
In this blog, we’ll share five helpful tips to make your fabric shop a go-to spot for quilters and sewers in your community.
Let’s dive in.
When customers walk into a fabric store, they want to feel like they’re stepping into a cozy, creative haven. The way your shop looks and feels makes a big difference in attracting and keeping customers.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
For example, imagine a customer enters your fabric store and is greeted by a beautifully organized display of seasonal fabrics — with each section featuring a small sample project for inspiration. They find a cozy chair by the window where they sit and match fabrics for their quilt. Meanwhile, their child is happily playing in a small corner with toys. This kind of thoughtful setup turns a quick visit into a memorable experience.
Remember: Personal touches go a long way. Greet your customers with a smile and take the time to chat with them about their projects — building a rapport changes a one-time visitor into a loyal customer. It’s the individual connections that often make a fabric store feel like a second home to your customers.
Related Read: Retail Store Layout: 5 Tips for Your Quilt Shop
These days, an online presence is a big deal for fabric stores. Even if you’re just starting to explore the tech world, there are easy ways to make it work for you and your business.
Start by creating a simple website or a social media page. Share snapshots of your latest fabric arrivals, showcase customer projects, and announce any sales or events. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for connecting with your community and letting your store’s personality shine.
You can also use social media to chat with your customers. It’s important to post regularly and encourage your followers to share their own creations using your fabrics. This not only builds a sense of community, but it also helps you stay relevant and gives you free advertising as your customers spread the word.
For example, you can start a monthly “Fabric Challenge” on Instagram, where customers post photos of their projects using a specific fabric from your store. Then, offer a small prize for the most creative entry. This kind of interactive content keeps your audience engaged and excited about what your store has to offer.
You don’t need to become an expert overnight. Start small, and as you get more comfortable, you can explore more advanced options like online sales or virtual workshops. The key is to use social media as a tool to reach more people and connect with your customers in new ways.
To stand out in the fabric world, you need to offer something special that attracts customers and keeps them coming back. Curating a selection of unique and high-quality fabrics that aren’t easily found elsewhere sets your store apart. Think about what makes your store different and lean into that.
Hosting workshops and classes is another great way to draw people in. Whether it’s a beginner’s quilting class or a more advanced sewing workshop, these events bring your community together. They give customers a reason to visit regularly, which builds a loyal customer base.
For instance, you can have a “Fabric of the Month” club, where members receive a curated bundle of fabrics each month — complete with project ideas and tips. This allows you to showcase your unique offerings and gets customers excited about projects each month.
Some products and services that help make your fabric store unique include:
Customers appreciate the intentional and special touches and are more likely to come back — and bring their friends along, too.
Marketing your fabric store doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few creative strategies, you can reach more customers and attract them to your fabric store.
Start with local advertising. Think about placing ads in community newspapers or on local radio stations. These channels help you reach people who may not be aware of your store yet. You can also put up flyers on community boards, or partner with local businesses to cross-promote each other.
Loyalty programs are another great way to encourage repeat business. Consider offering a punch card system where customers earn a free yard of fabric after a certain number of purchases. This incentivizes repeat visits and makes customers feel appreciated.
Host a "Customer Appreciation Day" to boost marketing and loyalty by offering special discounts, refreshments, and a raffle for a gift basket filled with fabric goodies. These events give people another reason to visit your store.
By using these marketing strategies, you create a strong presence in your community and build lasting relationships with your customers. It’s all about finding the right mix of tactics that work for your fabric store and your audience.
Related Read: 7 Fabric Store Marketing Ideas To Attract More Customers
Building an online fabric store opens up many new opportunities. Even if you’re just starting out, setting up an online store doesn’t have to be a heavy lift.
Begin with the basics by choosing a user-friendly platform that suits your needs and budget. There are many options available that make it easy to list your products and manage sales. Remember: Make sure your online store reflects the charm and personality of your physical shop, so it feels familiar to customers.
Inventory management is another key component for online sales. Keep track of your stock to avoid overselling and disappointing customers. It’s helpful to use software that integrates your online store with your in-store inventory to streamline this process.
When you have an online store, for example, you can offer an “exclusive online bundle” featuring a curated selection of fabrics, patterns, and notions at a special discount — maybe a 10% discount for first-time online shoppers or free shipping on orders over a certain amount. These kinds of deals create a sense of excitement and urgency, which encourages customers to check out your online store regularly.
Here are some key elements to consider when building your online store:
Building an online store is a great way to reach more customers and expand your business beyond your local community. With a little effort and creativity, you can create an online shopping experience that complements your physical fabric shop.
Related Read: 9 Mistakes To Avoid When Building Your Online Fabric Store
Running a successful fabric store is all about creating an inviting atmosphere, offering unique products, and leveraging online platforms to attract more customers. With the right strategies, you can turn your store into the ideal fabric destination.
Like Sew is an all-in-one point of sale (POS) software solution designed specifically for fabric stores, with tools to simplify operations and enhance customer engagement.
Some of our software’s standout features include:
With fractional yardage tracking, you can manage your inventory with precision, ensuring you always have the right fabrics in stock. Our class management tools make it easy to organize and promote workshops, which transforms your store into a community hub. Plus, with e-commerce integration, expanding your reach online has never been simpler.
The customer loyalty programs keep your customers coming back, and its marketing tools allow you to engage with your audience through email and SMS. These features are designed to help you build lasting relationships with your customers and grow your business.
Ready to see how Like Sew can transform your fabric store? Schedule a demo today to discover how our comprehensive tools attract more customers to your store.