As a shop owner you play a valuable role in the quilt community. Your shop provides not only supplies it can also be a place for quilters to connect and learn. So how do you get those quilters to take advantage of all you offer? Try these tips to keep customers coming back every month.
Create Anticipation
First tip, create anticipation. A great way to do this is with a block of the month. Quilters receive a new block each month to create a full quilt. Having the complete quilt on display enables quilters to see what they are working towards. The monthly blocks are bite size steps so the quilt doesn’t become overwhelming. By offering discounts or bonuses for completing the block before the next one comes out. Shop owners not only keep the quilters motivated, they keep them coming back.
Another way to create anticipation is to have a club. Similar to the block of the month a club gives quilters a way to connect with fellow quilters in your shop. Simply come up with a theme around your club. Maybe your customers want to give back to the community. Then offer a charity club where quilters come each month to create quilts to donate. 
Another idea is a beginner friendly make and take club. In this club you could offer easy to make projects like table runners and wall hangings. 
Or try a handmade gift club where each month members can make quick homemade gifts like bags and mug rugs. 
Create Community
Clubs not only create anticipation they create community. Beginning quilters can find mentors. Charity quilters can find worthy causes. Gift givers can find more people to give to. Your shop can provide quilters with friends and support around what they love, quilting. 
Build a Habit
The habit of returning to your shop each month. Whether quilters are returning for their block of a month or their favorite club a monthly trip to your shop can easily become a habit when they see the value your shop offers them in connection, supplies and skill growth. 
Implementing Anticipation, Community & Habit
Sometimes knowledge is not the problem. But knowing how to use it to create what you want to achieve. That is why I created Aunt Em’s Quick Win Program. It gives shops the tools they need to keep customers coming back each month. Whether you use the sampler booklets for a block of the month. Or implement the quick win projects in a club. Shop owners are free to order the booklets and project patterns from me or through Checker and EE Schenck. The Quick Win Program gives you access to stylized photos and copy to use to promote them in your shop. Along with how to kit the projects. 
Have fun implementing these tips to keep customers coming back. I wish you tons of success!
