I am totally in love with my LYS (a place I just discovered about 2 months ago) and wanted to share my happy feelings. Though I love to shop online (for anything and everything, not just yarn and knitting supplies), I really appreciate local businesses and especially a good LYS (esp. since I know there are LYSes out there that aren’t so good/friendly/helpful).
At my LYS, for every $10 you spend, you get a little llama stamp on a card they keep on file at the store. After you get 25 stamps, you get a little discount card for 20% off your entire purchase (whenever you choose to use the card). I got my 25th stamp last Friday (wheeeee!) and the card is burning a hole in my pocket, though I’m trying to hang onto it till I’m ready to make a rather large purchase (meanwhile, I’ve begun a new card of llama stamps!). I see more Manos wool in my future. :happydance:
I think it is so cool that they do this, and it makes me even more in with them than I already was. So I’ve decided to make a list of all the things I love about my LYS, and I’m inviting you to do the same. Would love to hear about all the cool LYSes out there. I hereby proclaim it “Love Your Local Yarn Shop Day” (otherwise known as LYLYSD!). Please join me in making a list of things you love!
Things I love about my LYS:
1 - the llama stamp card, of course
2 - the gorgeous assortment of hand-dyed wool
3 - the great, helpful people who work there
4 - the fact that it is well-laid out, not cramped, and light-filled (lots of windows)
5 - the people there don’t treat me bad when I bring my twin toddlers in with me (and they don’t even mind the boys touching the yarn)
6 - they don’t direct me towards the acrylics just b/c I come in with children
7 - they sell Addi Turbos
8 - they sell Manos wool and cotton
9 - they wind my yarn while I wait
10 - they have great classes (though I haven’t taken any yet)
11 - they have book and knitting night, where you can come, bring your knitting and money for pizza, and discuss a good book you’ve read recently while everyone knits (not the usual book group in that people don’t have to read the same book) - this happens once a month and I hope to participate soon
13 - great, helpful newsletter, which can be downloaded online
14 - there is a great community feel to the place - when I go in, I feel like everyone in there (workers and customers alike) could be my friend, and it’s like we are all in this knitting thing together, regardless of skill level; I almost always end up in pleasant conversation with another knitter in the store - this is in great contrast to my old LYS, where I felt very isolated and intimidated
15 - when they ask me if I need any help, and I say, “No, I just want to feel the wool,” they nod in total understanding
Three cheers for great LYSes :cheering: :cheering: :cheering:
Now I want to read your lists!