Shop Hops Provide Economic Boom for Quilting and Sewing Tourism Across the Carolinas
By Koleene Herlocker, Executive Director Shop Hop, Inc.
Calling all Carolina quilters: On Your Mark. Get Set. Shop Hop! Never heard of a Shop Hop? Though initially unique to the quilting and sewing industry, Shop Hops are "cousins" to other marketing events that promote certain industries (think pub crawls, antique road shows, road rallies, and similar events in the food industry). Customers visit a quilting and sewing store, SHOP, and then HOP to the next store to repeat the process.
Shop Hops introduce quilting and sewing enthusiasts to participating stores. They are also a way for stores to showcase their unique personalities, offerings, and talents to new and returning customers.
Typically, Shop Hoppers collect stamps or stickers at each store they visit. They also win prizes or earn discounts. Shop Hops can vary in size from a few stores in one area to 90+ stores across an entire state or region.
Economic Impact
In a day when brick and mortar retail locations are dwindling across the nation, a Shop Hop works to keep quilting and sewing stores thriving, so customers can continue to touch and feel the fabric in person.
A Shop Hop not only supports quilting and sewing stores, but also positively impacts tourism and other travel-related businesses. Thousands of Shop Hoppers converge on the cities where stores are located - eating, shopping and staying overnight. Shop Hop Inc manages large-scale shopping events across the country and estimates that, depending on the number of stores involved, the economic impact on the state can range from $4.5 to $7.5 million.
For Shop Hoppers, the experience is also about making memories. Many quilters shop with friends, family, or their favorite "quiltsie" as they travel the state together. Besides visiting sewing stores, Shop Hoppers also enjoy traveling through large and small towns, discovering parts of the state they may have never visited before. 
Upcoming Events
Shop Hop Inc manages large scale events across the United States and is excited to be bringing the All Carolinas Shop Hop to the Carolinas for their sixth annual event. Known as "The Great Sewing Adventure(TM) Across the Carolinas," this event offers unique benefits not available in smaller hops. Features include the All Carolinas Shop Hop Magazine, free patterns, a fun thank-you gift from each store for visiting Shop Hoppers and chances to win prizes at the end of the event. Participating stores offer exclusive Carolinas-themed fabric line for purchase. Shop Hoppers do not need to make a purchase to participate or win prizes.
In September and October 2025, more than 50 Carolias stores will host Shop Hoppers. Participating stores will sell the All Caroinas Shop Hop Magazine, which serves as a guide, starting mid-July of 2025.
For complete details about the All Carolinas Shop Hop, visit their website at https://allcarolinasshophop.com/
Join their Facebook Group to see Shop Hopper experiences and learn more about the stores at FB: AllCarolinasShopHop.
Shop Hop Inc, 373 Collins Rd. NE Ste 107, Cedar Rapid, IA 52402, 319-721-1513, koleene@ShopHopInc.com, www.AllCarolinasShopHop.com
Get your All Carolinas Shop Hop Magazine HERE: