Hello Andy:
I was on the internet searching information and came across your site. I previously owned a children’s clothing/shoe boutique and am now interested in opening a fabric and button store. Would you be able to direct me to where I would be able to gather wholesale information or trade shows for both?
I really appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Thank You.
Mitzi

Dear Mitzi: Ever hear the expression, “out of the frying pan and into the fire”. It comes to my mind, thinking that you want to open a retail fabric and button store. While following ones dreams has and is, always a good thing, Retail in general and Fabric Stores in particular are a very hard business these days. Consider opening a Fabric Store in cyberspace. Much less rent, and your customer is Planet Earth.
The truth is that out of the 13,000 retail fabric stores that were around 7 years ago or so, about 6000 remain. Sewing is a lost art. Schools are not teaching it. The giant stores sell the basics very cheap. It’s hard to know what will sell in the specialty fabrics, unless you have a niche. There is a small fabric show in September at the Cobb Galleria Center, Sept 10-11. It is the Southeastern Fabrics and Notions Show. Call for information at 800-4-SEWING. The other show to attend is the IFFE show, in October in New York City. Visit www.fabricshow.com. Good Luck, Andy