Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Expand your customer base with new fabrics from wholesale textile providers

Consider expanding your product line if you notice clients consistently asking for fabrics that you don't carry. If you typically sell cotton fabric, quilt fabric or linen fabrics, for example, test the market by purchasing bolts of decorator fabrics or upholstery fabric to cater to manufacturer and other retail clients.

I recommend: Check out the online catalog for fabric wholesaler Berenstein Textiles. This source specializes in formal wear fabrics like taffeta, suede, silk and velvet with minimums of 15 to 50 yards, depending on the type of fabric. The company also offers home decorating fabrics, faux fur and decorative trim. Wholesale source Carr Textile offers a variety of fabric textiles like polyester blends, cotton twills, denims, wool blends, micro fibers and knits. Fill out the form to receive sample cards of fabrics that you’re not familiar with to check out their thickness and texture.

Discuss new marketing ideas for fabric material with customers or retailers through online resources

Discover sales tips, fabrics information and first-hand testimonials on successful merchandising campaigns through magazine forums or blogs written by owners of fabric stores. Their ideas can help you brainstorm ways to use older displays or move clearance merchandise, for example, and help with making the most of fabrics in your store easier.

I recommend: Check out the online issues of Textile World, from Billian Publishing, a publication for manufacturers, retailers and others interested in the fabric industry. Use the articles to discover marketing ideas and new textile resources. Find fabric-related topics like marketing, brands and product news in online issues of Home Textiles Today.

Extend your niche in the fabric marketplace by selling additional items to encourage future sales

Consider branching out to sell additional companion items for your fabrics like patterns, technique books, notions and tools. Offering reusable merchandise like scissors and sewing machines, for example, will also generate additional fabric sales since customers will be eager to try new techniques and create projects with the higher-priced merchandise.

I recommend: Rubenstein & Ziff’s The Quiltworks Online Store is a wholesale distributor of fabric and additional supplies like sewing and quilting books, patterns and notions. A tax ID is required to become a customer and view wholesale pricing. Wildly Wonderful Wearables offers a variety of sewing patterns, tools, paints, buttons and more. Visit the techniques section to discover new ways to use fabrics with other items like beading and paints that you can also market to customers and potentially make more sales.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider browsing the bookstore or craft websites for publications that feature innovative uses for sewing fabric and other textiles that you can use to boost sales. For example, teaching an in-store class on scrapbooking, rubber stamping or beading with fabrics can introduce a lively crossover market to your shop.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find fabric suppliers who offer merchandise from all around the globe

Large online fabric stores or fabric warehouses may offer a greater selection of fabrics (and often good deals as well), which enables you to provide that variety to your customers. Or, check out an online supplier who specializes in exotic or foreign textiles for more distinctive offerings.

I recommend: Going to an online buyer's guide, with an extensive listing of different companies and global sources for exotic textiles. If you'd prefer to work with only a few fabric wholesalers, check out an online warehouse.

Specialize in a certain fabric material to give clients the largest range within that specialty

Does your business supply consumers mainly with upholstery fabric, decorator fabrics or quilt fabric? If you've decided to target a very specific customer base in this way (or if you are just starting your business and haven't yet decided what to focus on), think about zeroing in on one particular piece of the huge fabrics industry, and give your customers the greatest assortment of fabrics you can within that narrowed field.

I recommend: Viewing an online supplier specialty guide, where you can find a broad listing of fabric suppliers, broken down into sections based upon the type of fabric you're looking for. You can find companies that specialize in everything from categories of fabric (like quilt fabric and decorator fabrics) to the very specific (cashmere or linen fabrics).

Keep up with trends in the fabrics industry and join a professional textiles association

Growth and employment trends in your industry can give you a good idea of how the fabrics marketplace is expanding and in which directions, and taking the time to learn about specific trends in the market (what fabrics, colors, and styles will be hot in the upcoming seasons) can keep you ahead of your competitors.

I recommend: Spending an hour or two every month or so online to search for articles on this year's and this season's industry trends (from employment trends to the latest economic and trade developments to the newest smart fabrics and technology), and on projections for the future.

Joining a professional association such as the National Textile Association or the American Apparel and Footwear Association can help you to keep track of the latest trends and industry news.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that the fabric marketplace is a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Don't assume that just because something was considered popular or advanced one or two years ago that it will still be thought of as such today.
• •  Keep a reasonable amount of classic and everyday fabric textiles in stock to offer your customers as well. Diversifying your offerings (i.e., providing customers with basic cottons or wools, as well as more tech-savvy options) is a smart way to be sure that you're always relevant, no matter what innovations are happening in your industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get information on fabric textiles and the industry through online and published sources

By reading fabric trade journals, home décor magazines and websites with industry news, you'll discover upcoming product releases to help you plan your budget and merchandising ideas for new lines. You'll also be able to hear manufacturer updates and discover which companies have less than perfect customer service records. Consumer sewing and craft magazines can show you how crafters are using fabrics and help you brainstorm ways to market the merchandise.

I recommend: Fabric Trends, published by All American Crafts, showcases hot quilt fabric and cotton fabric designs, colors and textures in projects that might spark your customers’ imaginations. Fibre2Fashion provides updates on fabric textiles company trends and news from around the world. Use the search function to focus on stories related to the United States and narrow your search results further by using fabric as the search keyword.

Participate in groups to uncover news and network with manufacturers and owners of fabric stores

Industry associations' meetings and online forums will put you in contact with other retailers who can give you first-hand information on successful marketing campaigns, best sellers and opinions on style forecasts. Group functions and keynote addresses also give you the chance to discuss fabrics news and trends with manufacturer representatives and interior designers.

I recommend: Track the trends in upholstery fabric, linen fabrics and more by attending meetings of the National Textile Association. Join The Fabric Shop Network, a trade organization designed to help fabric and quilt retailers succeed with business information, marketing strategies and industry trend news.

Discover advertising and display ideas, as well as hot new products, at fabrics trade shows

If there aren't any fabrics trade shows scheduled near you, the information you'll receive at a convention in another state may be worth the price of airfare and lodging. You'll be able to network with other retailers and see color, pattern and other textile trends first hand.

I recommend: Discover new products, sources of wholesale fabric and current uses for designer fabrics at Sourcing at Magic. The trade event features manufacturers, fabric mills and supply chain service providers as exhibitors. Check out the Dallas Fabric Show, hosted by the Dallas Market Center, to discover new sources of fabrics, trims and additional supplies. Study the exhibits for interesting merchandising and project ideas and talk to manufacturers and other retailers about industry rumors and customer trends.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While attending fabrics trade shows or association meetings, use the opportunity to discuss news and trends regarding distributors and company representatives with other retailers. You may discover new wholesale sources for sewing fabric or decorator fabrics and you may also hear about those with bad shipping and service policies.

Guide to Fabrics Key Terms

Knowledge of fabrics key terms can help you find the right material

By Denise Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Anti-pill

Fabric pills are tiny lumps and twists that form on the outside of fleece or sweater fabric when two pieces of material rub together repeatedly. They do not affect the wear of the garment but they do affect the look. Anti-pill fabric resists the formation of these unattractive pills.

I recommend: You can see samples of anti-pill fabric from Hancock Fabrics.

Brushed cotton

To create brushed cotton fabric, the manufacturer removes all excess lint and fibers. Brushed cotton is soft and comfortable to wear. Look for brushed cotton in shirts for long wear and comfort.

I recommend: You can see samples of brushed cotton shirts are available at Cuda Buffalo Apparel.

Dyed to match

Dyed to match refers to notions such as buttons and zippers that exactly match the color of the garment's fabric. While manufacturers cannot actually dye buttons, they do dye buttons and trims to match.

I recommend: The shirts from WHP have dyed to match buttons.

Microfiber

Microfiber fabric has thin threads tightly woven together. Microfiber feels and looks like suede. Microfiber fabric is naturally water resistant and it can have waterproofing added as part of the manufacturing process. You can find jackets and pants, as well as other garments, with microfiber.

I recommend: Find out more about microfibers at Fabrics.net.

Twill

Twill fabric has small diagonal ribs that create a sturdy, comfortable, woven fabric. Common twill fabrics include chino, denim, gabardine and tweed.

I recommend: An example of men’s trousers made of twill is pictured at Orvis.

Stonewash

Stonewash fabric undergoes a chemical process or a wash cycle with stones to soften the fabric and make it appear worn. The color of a stonewashed garment may or may not be even. Stonewashing does reduce shrinkage on a garment, and is often part of the manufacturing process for denim jeans. This makes them as comfortable as a worn out pair of jeans from the first wearing.

I recommend: Read the discussion of the stonewash process from Apparel Search.