Curating a Batik Inventory: What to Consider for Your Shop

Batik fabrics are a stunning addition to any quilt shop, offering rich colors and intricate textures. Curating a batik inventory takes careful consideration, from color choices to pattern selections, to help your shop stand out. Here’s how to create a batik inventory that your customers will love and keep coming back for.

1. Offer a Variety of Colors & Shades

Batik fabrics are known for their rich and vibrant colors, so it’s important to offer a range of shades to suit different tastes. Stock both bold, eye-catching colors and more subtle, earthy tones to appeal to a wider audience.

• Keep seasonal color trends in mind when selecting new fabrics, but don’t shy away from timeless neutrals and nature-inspired hues.

2. Focus on Versatility

While batiks are beautiful, they can sometimes be seen as niche. Offering a selection that works for various quilt styles—from modern to traditional—will help them feel more versatile. Look for batiks that can be used in a range of projects, from vibrant quilt backs to detailed applique work.

• Offer batik collections, not just a solid look. These will of course coordinate with solids and other fabrics, for stunning projects.

3. Highlight Signature Prints

While we have a main design within each collection, the truly unique, celebration of batiks have their own collection category for us called Express Yourself! These batiks will set your shop apart and attract customers looking for something special.

• Rotate batik collections regularly so that customers are encouraged to come back and see what’s new. As you receive new collections, make sure to merchandise them, make them shine on their own at the front of the store. With that in mind, make sure you’re purchasing for a successful merchandising opportunity.

4. Curate Kits & Bundles

Putting together fabric kits or bundles is a great way to encourage customers to purchase more batik fabrics at once. By offering pre-selected groupings of fabrics in complementary colors or patterns, you make it easy for customers to start their projects. Each bundle can be curated by your staff for exclusive to you opportunities! Customers will start to look for them!

• Do you have a popular pattern or kit made up in cottons? Try it in batiks! Easy to purchase kits and bundles are a shopper’s quick “Yes!”.

5. Educate Your Customers

Some customers may not be familiar with batiks or how to use them in their quilts. Take the opportunity to educate them! Offer tips on working with batiks, showcase projects, and host demos or classes that highlight how to incorporate batik fabrics into their work.

• Use social media and your website to share batik-centric projects, tutorials, and customer success stories.

Curating the right batik inventory is all about variety, versatility, and offering something unique. Focus on a wide range of colors, signature prints, and educational opportunities to keep your customers excited and engaged with your selection. A well thought out batik collection can quickly become a customer favorite in your shop!