I frequent Jordan Fabrics website, they are located in Grants Pass, OR. She does YouTube tutorials also, it's a family operation and have a couple ideas that you could implement for growth.
Idea #1 - Precuts
Matt Jordan precuts quilt patterns and shrink-wrap packages them. They specialize in log cabin pattern and cuts/packages in all the various fabric collections. I know many quilters does not like the pinked edges that the manufactures put on their precuts and could see a market where all the manufactures precuts could be done by an operation like yourself. They cut jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm squares, etc. The y also buy fabric in bulk and rewraps onto bolts for store display. Check them out. JordanFabrics.com
Idea #2 - GiveAway Quilts
Donna Jordan creates YouTube tutorials on how to make a quilt, shows where to purchase the pattern if it is not a free one, walks you through how to make the quilt. Then they display that quilt in their shop. Then as some time passes, they give the quilt away. At the end of one of her tutorials, they tell viewers to go to their website and register to win a quilt previously made. Viewers go to the website and registers to win the quilt. They draw a name for the winner, ship the quilt to the winner anywhere around the earth. If you are a shopper, you routinely go to the giveaway page on their website and register to win the most recent quilt to be given away. This takes care of excess quilts building up and keeps their customers happy..... they get something for free.
Idea #3 - Free Patterns
Jordan Fabrics has a page on their website where they offer free quilt, and other sewing patterns, for free. You download various patterns absolutely free. I know MSQC creates their own patterns, could easily have a page on your website where you allow your customers to obtain a pattern for free, even if you only wanted to offer a new design free for a short period of time, I am certain your customers would appreciate getting something for free.
Idea #4 - Retreat Housing
I see that you are heading this route but with the number of empty stores, or to make better use of SQ FT above current store fronts, creating lodging rooms for quilters coming in for retreats. Most people are not wanting to share sleeping arrangements with strangers. I could see opportunities for up to 4 sharing a room, but not more than that. I could see where you could make use of the floors above your stores to make hotel rooms. The down side obviously is that retreat goers are older and have mobility issues so navigating stairs could be a problem.
Just a few thoughts.
Vikki
Idea #1 - Precuts
Matt Jordan precuts quilt patterns and shrink-wrap packages them. They specialize in log cabin pattern and cuts/packages in all the various fabric collections. I know many quilters does not like the pinked edges that the manufactures put on their precuts and could see a market where all the manufactures precuts could be done by an operation like yourself. They cut jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm squares, etc. The y also buy fabric in bulk and rewraps onto bolts for store display. Check them out. JordanFabrics.com
Idea #2 - GiveAway Quilts
Donna Jordan creates YouTube tutorials on how to make a quilt, shows where to purchase the pattern if it is not a free one, walks you through how to make the quilt. Then they display that quilt in their shop. Then as some time passes, they give the quilt away. At the end of one of her tutorials, they tell viewers to go to their website and register to win a quilt previously made. Viewers go to the website and registers to win the quilt. They draw a name for the winner, ship the quilt to the winner anywhere around the earth. If you are a shopper, you routinely go to the giveaway page on their website and register to win the most recent quilt to be given away. This takes care of excess quilts building up and keeps their customers happy..... they get something for free.
Idea #3 - Free Patterns
Jordan Fabrics has a page on their website where they offer free quilt, and other sewing patterns, for free. You download various patterns absolutely free. I know MSQC creates their own patterns, could easily have a page on your website where you allow your customers to obtain a pattern for free, even if you only wanted to offer a new design free for a short period of time, I am certain your customers would appreciate getting something for free.
Idea #4 - Retreat Housing
I see that you are heading this route but with the number of empty stores, or to make better use of SQ FT above current store fronts, creating lodging rooms for quilters coming in for retreats. Most people are not wanting to share sleeping arrangements with strangers. I could see opportunities for up to 4 sharing a room, but not more than that. I could see where you could make use of the floors above your stores to make hotel rooms. The down side obviously is that retreat goers are older and have mobility issues so navigating stairs could be a problem.
Just a few thoughts.
Vikki
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