Welcome to R.A.G.S.

We are a non-profit association of retail, brick and mortar Stained Glass stores; you may know us as RAGS. We are an association of retail, brick and mortar stores who voluntarily work together to improve and enhance each others businesses. We are locally owned, independent business and we contribute to the local economy. Our common ground is our mutual love of all things art glass related. We provide support and ideas to each other via email in a supportive and non competitive manner. Once a year, we gather at our annual conference called RAGSfest in order to learn new techniques, to exchange fresh ideas and to inspire one another.

We support the 3/50 project because they support our members! By choosing 3 local businesses you don't want to see disappear and spending $50 per month at those stores, you can keep small business healthy and support your neighbors by keeping more money local. See how this project works by visiting: the 3/50 project

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For Store Owners

If you own a store front Art Glass Shop who sells retail art glass and supplies to the public, joining R.A.G.S. is best thing you can do for your customers and your business. Here are just a few benefits:

Keeping in Touch with our Peers

Our members communicate by email on a frequent basis in a positive, non-competitive manner. R.A.G.S. member stores have an advantage over others - communication! Through the use of the R.A.G.S. e-mail list and Bulletin Board Forum, member stores have the latest news and up to date information in the world of art glass. We share our problems and successes so that we can both give and receive advice. It doesn't matter if you've been in business for 20 years; there are things you can learn to help your business prosper. Our members range from "just opened" to over 30 years in business.

Sharing Knowledge

We exchange knowledge on all phases of operation including advertising, new products, safety and teaching classes. Ideas on class structure, syllabus design and marketing are all shared freely. In a member program called Workshop Wonders, we share ideas and techniques on Stained Glass, Fused Glass, Mosaics, Sandblasting and Lampworking. You simply may not have time to constantly look for fresh ideas to keep your business growing and prosperous, but membership in RAGS will provide what you need.

Retailers Helping Retailers

It's not just our motto, it's what we do. Your R.A.G.S. membership will quickly become your best resource for fresh ideas, new friends and great inspiration.

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Testimonials from R.A.G.S. Members

No one can be a better support and encouragement than someone else with a store like yours. We learn things all the time from our fellow RAGS members that help us run our business more effectively. The summer events (RAGSfest) where we gather and learn hands on from one another have been amazing. We can't imagine life without RAGS!
Covenant Art Glass
Everett, Washington

...hundreds of years of experience....RAGS is the pot of gold at the end of the Stained Glass rainbow.
Deposito Barrio Lujan S.A.,
San Jose, Costa Rica

...I don't know where my business would be if it wasn't for the suggestions, advice and comments from the RAGS members.
Sundancer Stained Glass
Saco, Maine

Every stained glass retailer should make membership in RAGS a must-do; it doesn't cost as much as a session with the shrink, and it keeps you a lot saner.
Rainbow Artistic Stained Glass
Omaha, NE

Of all the annual fees my business is required to pay, the RAGS membership fee is, by far, the most valuable and worthwhile. And the daily Discussion Board and exchange of information is PRICELESS!
Art Glass Connection
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I love my RAGS friends. They are a place for me to source stuff, find out how to do something new, teach someone something I already know, confirm our dreams on creating a perfect retail environment. We are supportive of each other's efforts to stimulate our own glass stores and the glass community as a whole.
Kiss My Glass
Santa Cruz, California

I want to thank everyone in the RAGS group for all of the information on reinforcement. This type of assistance alone makes it worthwhile to be a member.
Peacock Stained Glass
Rollo, MO

After just a few weeks of reading all these e-mails, I can truly see that this was one of the best business decisions I've ever made
Glassic Arts
DeLand, FL