I’ve been very fortunate to begin working with The Fabric Shop Network, Inc, the trade association for independent fabric shops. It’s been well documented here that Josh and I are passionate about supporting independent businesses, from Bolt to Powells, so this has been an exciting opportunity for me. Sure, just like everyone else, we can’t avoid or Costco and Fred Meyer trips, but we try to do our best.
One of the most exciting things that I’ve had the chance to work on with FabShop is Project 95. Project 95 is aimed at growing support for independent fabric shops. Why? Because–and this figure shocked me–95 percent of fabric shoppers shop chain stores, and only 5 percent shop independents. I guess because this is so different from my personal reality in which I haven’t been in a chain fabric shop in probably a decade, I had no clue that so few people shopped the independents. I don’t know why this is–probably physical proximity is an issue, folks may not know about independent shops or even some people may be a bit intimidated by niche stores.
But, we’ve got a chance to change that.
So, I’m asking you all to take a minute, read the Project 95 web site (more content is coming–including a map and searchable database) and help spread the word about shopping independent fabric shops. You can also grab a blog button, become a fan on Facebook and follow Project 95 on Twitter, if that’s your thing.
Thanks for your support, everyone!
~Sarah
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My mom and her friends are soooo that 5%! I’ve been to more independent fabric stores than I can count and I don’t even sew!
(I’ve got to work on that!) I love this post because it’s the Mom & Pop stores everywhere that need us…especially now.