Inventory to open a fabric store?

Question

I am hoping to open a fabric store next year in a small town in NM. Does anyone know where I would get my opening inventory? Fabrics, notions, quilting books, etc.? Thanks.

Answer 1

First, establish your business on paper - get a license, tax ID, etc. When you're ready to order the inventory, check out the websites of the fabric manufacturing companies. They may not sell their fabric directly to customers online, but many sell to retailers online. Even if they don't, they'll have info on how to set up an account with them. Google the various companies to find their websites. Some fabric companies include: Moda, P&B Textiles, Henry Glass, Northcott, Blank Textiles, Michael Miller Fabrics, Benartex, Maywood Studios, and many more that I just can't think of right now. Buy a couple of quilting magazines and check out the advertisements to find more.

The same is true for the notions and books. Contact the manufacturers (check out their websites) and order through there. Consider thread companies such as Superior, Aurifil, YLI, or Valdani. Prym (Dritz) is the largest supplier of sewing notions in North America. They supply OmniGrid and Fons & Porter, to name just a couple. Patterns can be found by doing a simple Google search for "quilt patterns -free" (the -free is necessary to eliminate many of the junk sites).

As you know, the quality of products carried in quilt shops is vastly superior to that carried in most chain/franchise stores. It takes a little more work, but the results are worth it. You will have a different customer base and it will cost more, but many quilters believe the quality is worth the price.

Answer 2

Honestly, I work in Jo-Ann Fabrics and they have all fabrics, notions, book, etc. I would just pick up a franchise or 2 off of them. You would be so much better off and it would make life easier because everything will become set for you. Good-Luck.