Sept 27, 2023

Dear Friends,

An amazing transformation has taken place in our shop.  During the Sulphur Springs quilt show last week, we had taken so much stuff there  . . . machines, notions, and other merchandise . . . that our shop felt almost empty.  It wasn’t.  Still had more machines, notions, and all the fabric, but the center area where all of our longarms had been sitting was really bare.

I was babysitting the shop while everyone else stayed at the quilt show.  On Friday, several people came in, and most of them bought fabric.  But when they came in, I was almost embarrassed that we were so empty and didn’t have much to show for ourselves.  I explained the reason, and found most of the folks were already aware of the quilt show and with many on their way either from or to the show.  So my embarrassment was self-induced and unnecessary.

This week, with everything back in the shop, it has been wonderfully rearranged from what it was.  No longer are all the Baby Lock machines nearly hidden when you walk through the front door.  Now they are the first thing you see!  With this new arrangement, the longarms are more spread out, forming L’s or U’s in relationship to each other.  They are still prominent when you walk in, but now equally prominent are the Baby Locks.  It’s quite an improvement.

We were anxious to see how people would respond.  Interestingly, it was our UPS and FED-EX delivery people who got to see it first, and they were totally wowed out and had nothing but positive impressions and comments.  The whole shop has had a major upgrade.

We now have what expert retailers would consider to be more effective and “Proper Merchandising.”   But beyond that, it’s a totally positive and palatable change to our working environment and to the environment that you will feel next time you’re in the shop.   We think you’ll love it!  Whether you’re coming in for a short time simply for shopping, staying longer because of taking classes, or if you are retreating with us for two or three nights, you’ll find the whole place designed to provide you with a very pleasant and uplifting experience.

Chip