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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Tired of JoAnn's Fabric store (rant)  |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:03:07 PM
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I went in to JoAnn's yesterday...was looking for some military fleece and some light weight net for my son's room....regardless...does anyone else have to deal with inexperienced - uninterested - harried sales help who could care less about their jobs or your shopping? It's always crowded, dirty, and unorganized. There's "stuff" everywhere and it seems to be getting "cheaper"...not in price...just quality. I mean there's cheap (cost) too...but if I want totally cheap, I'll hit the dollar store on purpose. I hate the idea of wading through cluttered isles of cheap to find what I need for my projects. Oh...and, they have locked up the beads?!!! Yep...all the stranded beads are now under lock and key. A whole wall of imprisoned beads. I loved the idea of playing in the strands...handling the beads and comparing them to other beads for a final combo...now you need to call a clerk.
I just don't think I'll be shopping there again. The last few times have been such a disappointment. |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:14:46 PM
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Can't stand JoAnns and don't shop there unless absolutely have to, will buy mail order first. Every one of their stores I have been in is dirty and unorganized and the sales help lacks in every way. Fabric as a rule is poor quality, not anything I would ever use for something I want to have a long life.
Kathy |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:46:50 PM
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I have been very disapointed at JoAnns too. The lines are slow and long and help has been very rude to me...or they chat for a long time with the person in front of me while I have waited too long.
It is the only place that I can get patterns so I go there for patterns.
Linda in Scranton, PA
Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! www.tut.com |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:49:42 PM
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The Jo-ann Fabric here in Middletown, NY is the only game in town, but I must say that the manager and employees keep it fairly clean and organized and they are usually helpful. I like the sales, but the quality of fabric (unless you purchase a name brand) isn't the greatest. I just can't buy fabric online...I need to see the colors and feel the drape. Fabric stores have gone the way of the bookstores...my two favorite places to shop. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:56:01 PM
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Wow, JoAnn's near me, Mansfield, Medina and North Olmsted have beautiful, clean stores. However, I wish I could find some different fabric once in awhile....same ol same ol
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Maven
http://www.harvestthymefarm.vpweb.com
www.onefunkyfarmgirl.blogspot.com
~If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging!~ |
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LakeOntarioFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
933 Posts
Brenda
North Rose
NY
USA
933 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:58:28 PM
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T, I agree completely! I can remember how I used to love to go to Jo-ann's years ago, but they sure have changed. We have 2 within 45 minutes of me, and I don't go to them at all anymore. We have a fairly new Hobby Lobby the same distance which I much prefer, no patterns and nowhere near as much fabric, but enough stuff to keep me busy! I am also fortunate to have a wonderful mennonite store very close by, that has wonderful fabrics and threads, some crafting things, and a grocery besides with free-range eggs and chickens! They don't have many sales, but I like that the fabrics are good and will last for years.
Sadly, most of the Jo-ann's up here are going out because they cannot keep customers.
Brenda
FarmGirl # 711
Nothing we achieve in this world is achieved alone. It is always achieved with others teaching us along the way. Lee J. Colan
http://theviewfromhere-brenda.blogspot.com/ |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:58:51 PM
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Our Joann's are pretty good as well as clean/organized too and, as yet, our beads are still free-range. However I never buy fabric there anymore, unless it is flannel, just because of the quality issue. I have a friend who owns a small independent fabric store so I buy stuff there - it is more expensive but when you look at the big picture it is definitely worth it.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 4:24:28 PM
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We have a brand new JoAnn's that caused the two other ones near us to close. But it is clean and very well organized so far. Sales staff leaves alot to be desired but I know enough that I don't need to ask questions. And our beads are still free-range as well. We are lucky that we have a Hancock, JoAnn's and a Wal-Mart with fabric. Plus four quilt shops close by.
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 4:32:22 PM
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Many many moons ago I worked in a wholesale upholstery fabric store. We had material for couches/chairs and what-not but also drapes/curtains too. I also worked in a small independent quilt shop for a bit too. Customers were always first...and when there weren't customers, I was tidying up bolts...and when that was done...I was sweeping the floor. Even had to clean the restroom! No heavy sighs, chatting with my neighbor, or eye rolling went on. And I was pretty young back in those days. I just can't shop anymore where I can't get good customer service...despite the price. I haven't had much better service at the independent quilt shops near me either. Sometimes they act so "uppity".... Whatever happened to a big smile and a "oh what are you making"???
I know we are all in a hurry....sometimes I feel like I "run" through most of my days....but geez, if we can't even connect in a positive way when the environment is supposed to be all about creativity and joy....what's left?
Brenda...how lovely to have great fabric AND free-range eggs! I'm thinking organic bakery and a mug of tea to go with that would make it perfect!
Diane...I know what you mean about fabric and bookstores online...I do love to touch what I buy and flip through those pages... Books, yarn, and fabric are things I "collect" if you will. You know...they have "used" and "gently loved" book stores where you can take your books perhaps there should be a place we can take our "stash" of unused fabric/yarns/craft items too??.... Our local independent book seller takes books for resale..you get 20% of the resale price in cash, or you can get 30% to use at the bookstore. Hmmmmmmm.... |
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farmallgrl
True Blue Farmgirl
483 Posts
Angela
Westminster
MD
USA
483 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 4:39:16 PM
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I will not step foot into a Joanns store. I returned a Knitting machine my Grandparents had gotten me for Christmas. My grandmaother said that if it wasn't something I would use, to take it back and use the money for fabric and yarn...stuff I would use. Well since then, my grandfather has passed and my grandmother has taken ill and is in a nursing home. I did not have a reciept, so they would only issue me a corporate refund. (understandable, it was a large purchase price) They were already taking 40%off of the original price because of no reciept. I had no problems until they refused my refund because they could not find the original purchase. They told me I had to provide them my grandmother's name, address and telephone number, and they had to contact her. I was not doing this, she does not need to be bothered while ill and completely confused about being put into a nursing home, so I told them, I would take my merchandise back and try to sell it online or in the paper. They would not give me my merchandise back, and I have not seen a refund! So as far as I am concerned, they are thiefs. The sad part is, I was asking for a store credit so I could get fabric/yarn crafting supplies etc... So they have lost my business for sure and for certain. And the store here is filthy and the employees are rude and have no idea what you are talking about! Thank you for letting me vent here tooo:)
Angela
Farmgirl Sister #337
Has life got you down?...Look Up! |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 5:51:02 PM
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OMG Angela! That is so sad to hear. It sure deserves a boycott..and if I were you I'd tell everyone I know about it...to discourage giving them business.
Linda in Scranton, PA
Thoughts become things... choose the good ones! www.tut.com |
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peapicker
True Blue Farmgirl
716 Posts
texas
USA
716 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 6:12:32 PM
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You just don't know how much I would like to go back in time when there were good fabric stores with polite employees to help. I just don't know what is happening to this country. I get so many rude sales people that I just hate to shop in most places. To be honest most of them don't even know anything about the products they are selling. I agree, its hard to find fabric that is of quality and in a pleasant place to shop. I like to actually touch and feel the fabric too.
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert Brault |
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SheilaC
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Sheila
Vermont
USA
1948 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 6:47:26 PM
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| Gotta say, our JoAnn's just closed a week ago--it was the only fabric store in town, now we'll have to go 45 miles for another fabric store (our Walmart just closed their fabric dept too)--really miss the convenience of being able to run in for some elastic or some last minute thing--online shopping is great, but $shipping and if you need something to finish a project right away. . . |
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clothedinscarlet
True Blue Farmgirl
1333 Posts
Siobhan
Battle Creek
MI
USA
1333 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 7:04:02 PM
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I must be lucky. I love my JoAnn's. In fact, my DH hates it because I always spend forever in there chatting with the fabric ladies about my latest project and then I check out and have to chat with the check out lady about it as well LOL! Sorry you have such a crappy JoAnn :(
Siobhan, wife to my best friend, Trent, and mommy to Camden (11/28/05) and Bennett (7/11/07). and Truman (7/28/09) |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13625 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13625 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 7:07:44 PM
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Since we ONLY have a Walmart for fabric here, and it was "remodeled" and downsized severely, I DO shop at JoAnns in Glendale, Arizona. It is near my daughter's house and I have no complaints about it at all. Very clean, very organized, very professional help and a great selection. So, I hope it stays that way.
When we travel to my daughters I take my big list off to JoAnns to stock up. Walmart is the store I'm disgusted with!!!
It's too bad that any place has gotten this way . . . shouldn't be so!
CJ
...from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com |
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countrynmore
True Blue Farmgirl
1975 Posts
Sharon
CA
USA
1975 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 9:37:57 PM
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I have 3 Jo-Anns stores in different directions within 7 miles from my home. The workers are helpful, courteous, and the stores are clean. I know the personal in two of the stores and they know me by name. One of the employees even sent business my way. Sometimes, I am in there a long time chatting with the gals.
I did have a problem with one of the store managers. She was very rude, but fortunately, she doesn't work there any more. I still avoid that store because it is small.
www.countrynmore.com
www.countrynmore2.etsy.com
http:// www.qualityfabricsandsupplies.ecrater.com
www.countrynmore.blogspot.com
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Edited by - countrynmore on Jan 30 2010 9:40:34 PM |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 03:11:20 AM
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Wow! It seems like it really depends on who manages the Jo-ann store where each of us shops--they really run the gamut! We have very few independent quilt shops, but I will start to shop at some of them for the cottons. I also sew clothing and home decor, so I need more of a variety of fabrics. Love the idea of a "stash for sale" fabric store. I could probably open one right out of my house! LOL. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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countrynmore
True Blue Farmgirl
1975 Posts
Sharon
CA
USA
1975 Posts |
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2quilter
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Patricia
Greenwood
IN
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 08:36:55 AM
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I agree--JoAnn Fabrics, is really going down hill. In fact, JoAnn is the Walmart of the fabric industry...moves in, takes all of the smaller shops business, then holds you hostage for low quality cheap material and limited selection. There used to be several fabric stores in the area, now there is only JoAnn and Hancocks. Not sure which is worse. I HATE the story about the knitting machine......that really makes me angry. It isn't like someone could 5-finger discount that large of an item, even if they wanted to........what I hate most is purchasing something and then getting it home and finding a hidden defect....I guess no one wants to pay for quality goods/services any more....and their yarn (mostly) stinks too....with cheap knitting needles and limited supply....I don't buy anything in there w/o the 40% coupon....that brings is down to about normal price...
When life hands you scraps, make quilts! |
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farmallgrl
True Blue Farmgirl
483 Posts
Angela
Westminster
MD
USA
483 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 2:01:12 PM
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WOWSERS Sharon, you could open up a fabric store:) From what I can see, you have some beautiful bolts of fabric!
Angela
Farmgirl Sister #337
Has life got you down?...Look Up! |
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countrynmore
True Blue Farmgirl
1975 Posts
Sharon
CA
USA
1975 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 2:09:46 PM
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I have a lot. That is just a small portion of the fabrics. Since I make a lot of custom aprons and non-custom aprons I need to have a variety. Dh doesn't see the same way as I do. Our friend built shelves that have 6 compartments (double sided). It works out well. I am able to categorize the fabrics by theme. I have been trying to sell fabrics on ecrater and Etsy that I no longer need for aprons or other projects. The variety came in handy when I had a custom apron order (see blog for pictures) for an event planner. Fortunately, I had just the right amount of fabric for it.
www.countrynmore.com
www.countrynmore2.etsy.com
http:// www.qualityfabricsandsupplies.ecrater.com
www.countrynmore.blogspot.com
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Edited by - countrynmore on Jan 31 2010 2:13:18 PM |
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RubyJunes
True Blue Farmgirl
246 Posts
June
Greenwich
Ohio
USA
246 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 3:37:34 PM
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That's such a bummer for those of you that have had a bad JoAnn's experience. We are blessed to have several fabric stores nearby here, many of them offering a great selection of unique fabrics. I sometimes think JoAnn's selection and quality of fabrics is not what I'd prefer, but a lot of it is nice. I do try to go to the independent shops and artisans to find fabrics, as well as much repurposing and vintage fabrics, too!
--June
Farmgirl #545
www.RubyJunes.blogspot.com |
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Peace2u2
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Debi
Hudson
NY
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 4:02:51 PM
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Alomost all of our fabric stores have closed over the past few years. Joannes is still open but I noticed a big difference in their products. Much higher prices and poorer quality. Not a great selection either. I miss sewing. How and where do you go to buy fabric on line? I do love to touch the fabric and imagine what it might be someday but since that isn't an option anymore, perhaps buying on line will be OK.
If anyone knows of some good sites, please pass them on!
All things good are possible with a bit of sun, soil, and love. |
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countrynmore
True Blue Farmgirl
1975 Posts
Sharon
CA
USA
1975 Posts |
Posted - Jan 31 2010 : 4:39:08 PM
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Debi. All the places I know are resale. The customer has to have a resale number and there is not only a minimum order, but all sites sell by the bolt. I like Haiks-inc. and usually purchase when bolts are on clearance. Otherwise, it can be costly, Some fabrics, are heavier in weight than others. Sometimes when I use a 50 % coupon at Jo-Anns, it is cheaper than what I can pay through the distributor (regular price, not clearance price).
www.countrynmore.com
www.countrynmore2.etsy.com
http:// www.qualityfabricsandsupplies.ecrater.com
www.countrynmore.blogspot.com
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2010 : 04:29:36 AM
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Our Hancock Fabrics closed so now I have to go to JoAnne's. The one here is pretty clean and organized, but I went to one in South Carolina while visiting my daughter that was a disgrace! I also go to Hobby Lobby and get fabric and notions, they have a pretty good selection. I have bought fabric on-line only to be disapointed in the actual quality when it arrived.
Why not go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is! "Mark Twain"
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Feb 01 2010 : 04:51:15 AM
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Wow! We are all over the place! My hobby lobby doesn't have as much fabric as I'd like. I don't think I've ever found what I'm looking for there.
I say we shop at Sharon's or Diane's. At least we know we'll get quality service with a smile...some good conversation, and maybe even a cup of coffee/tea! ;-) |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Tired of JoAnn's Fabric store (rant) |
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Tired of JoAnn's Fabric store (rant)
