On 1/2/04 7:38 PM, in article , "Ellice"
wrote:

On 1/2/04 5:39 PM,"Dianne Lewandowski" posted:

Ellice wrote:
I don't think the Needlework Industry on the whole is declining that much -
it is the LNS that are hurting. The proliferation of web-shopping has done
that. Many shops are surviving by doing e-business, or something else (my
local that has most of the income from the frame shop, followed by the
needlework portion of the shop & antique needlework boutique. Designers who
sell directly to the public, retail - frequently LNS are stopping carrying
them (why pay for the inventory if you're in competition to sell with the
designer).

My dream is for shops to be more like the one in Monica Ferris' Betsy
Devonshire mystery books. All encompassing. The knitters; the lace
makers; the canvas, counted and surface embroiderers all come to Monday
Brunch, oooh and ahh at each other's work, occasionally do something new.

Isn't that just a dream shop. Having the boutique in the store is
interesting - lots of linens, brings in different shoppers.


I wonder if someone could pull this off - a cooperative set of shops set in
a "court yard" plaza/mall. A yarn shop, a needlework shop (with broad range
of areas), a quilters shop, a finisher/framer, a tea/coffee shop, maybe even
a bookshop all opening in to a courtyard area (not necessarily open to the
air) with comfortable seating. And don't forget a nice bathroom; how many
times has your enjoyment of something been affected by a gross bathroom.
They all cooperate on costs of operation for heating, lights and the ilk but
maintain separate inventory costs.

Now - the most important part - a willingness to say "go ask X in shop Y
about that". Maybe cross discipline classes too. Embellishing your crocheted
sweater, canvas work with Fake Fur yarns.....

It wouldn't be it a great place to shop. Just imagine.....

Cheryl