definition
strict definition
fabric store
A retail store specializing in raw cloth sold for customers to make clothing, furnishings, or other fabric items.
A fabric store is a retail place specializing in sales of raw cloth. Customers typically buy a measured swatch of cloth in the preferred texture, fabric, pattern, and color, and use it in their own creations, e.g. for clothing, drapery, sheets, etc.
Customers purchase the cloth as material for their own creations. Its texture, pattern, and color can vary while the raw-fabric format remains the same.
A clothing store sells wearable garments. Fabric suitable for a garment is still raw material when sold as cloth, and the fabric store can also supply material for drapery or bedding.