Comments on: Got Any Craft Store Awesome Stories?

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:48:42 +0000

Thank you so much for chiming in here, Johanna! I'm thrilled to have
an indie retailer chime into this discussion. All the best with your
new venture!

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:48:42 +0000

Thank you so much for chiming in here, Johanna! I'm thrilled to have
an indie retailer chime into this discussion. All the best with your
new venture!

By: johannaf

johannaf — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:29:29 +0000

I am so glad I found this article!! I read the horror stories as an education (and was glad I didn't see my store there). The awesome stories are filled with great customer service tips (that I hope those wonderful retailers don't mind sharing!)

I bought a small fabric/quilt/craft store on Sanibel Island last month in order to preserve the independent retailer that I enjoyed visiting so much. I shopped there for over ten years and was dismayed when the owner wanted to sell and retire. So I made the ultimate craft store purchase - I bought the whole thing and now run my own shop. It is a challenge to stock a store and compete against the big box retailers. We can't have everything on our shelves. And we can't always have as low prices because we don't buy in bulk. We CAN offer the special touches that everyone read in the awesome stories and learn from others' mistakes (I had to fire a 17 year employee for rushing customers at closing, and many of the negative behaviors mentioned.)

I love my customers! If an independent retailer can't say this than they are in the wrong business.

By: cinderellen

cinderellen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:02:49 +0000

I visited Deer Pants in Brighton Colorado last year with my mother. The owner showed up how to use her knitting machines, and was very friendly and helpful. We were mainly looking for a good goal for an afternoon walk but will put that store on our list of places to shop.

By: pam

pam — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:44:09 +0000

I hope this counts! I can't wait to make a trip to Salt Spring Island, BC to participate in weaving the community banner being woven on Terri's Saori loom in the window of Wildflower Moon - http://www.saltspringweaving.com/blog/?p=472

And I hope one day to take one of Terri's classes in Saori weaving (http://www.saltspringweaving.com/workshops.htm

I haven't yet had the opportunity to visit in person, but it is apparent that both of these women find great joy in what they do and share it with others generously and with love.

Isn't this kind of connection what we are all looking for when we choose to shop at an independent craft businesses?

By: Felicity Lufkin

Felicity Lufkin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:02:00 +0000

I don't think I've ever had a bad experience in a quilting-oriented fabric store, and this summer I had a particularly nice one at Pumpkin Patch Quilts in Lee MA. I stopped in with my small, curious, talkative and energetic daughter and we browsed around and picked up some fat quarters, not lingering too long so as not to try anyone's patience, and as we were about to leave, one of the women working asked me if it was ok to give my girl some scraps of fabric printed with paper-doll designs, left over from a sample project. Of course my daughter was delighted, and the simple kindness made a big impression on me---we don't get up that way too often, but when we do, I'll be wanting to stop in again! (http://www.pumpkinpatchquilts.com/)

By: JustGail

JustGail — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:32:46 +0000

I haven't had a bad experience in any of our local yarn/fabric/craft stores (including Hancock Fabrics and Joann Fabrics)! However, I guess my favorite store is currently Village Needlework. Rose Mary and Rebecca (who has the R Rabbit yarn shop in the store also) have a big table in the store, for classes and for people to just come in a stitch, knit, crochet, chat and the coffee pot is always on. They always greets you and asks if I'm looking for anything in particular, and when I just want to look arournd, she lets you without hovering, esp. after I had been there a few times. They promote and participate in the area needlework/knitting events like Knit Out and EGA shows, and also support community service projects, such as the food bank and knitting clothing for new babies at the hospital.

By: Megacrafty

Megacrafty — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:32:01 +0000

Webs is my one of my local yarn stores. It's huge but I've always had a good experience there no matter how busy they are. I've taken some great classes their too.

The second thing that came to mind was a little YS in Tennessee called Bliss Yarns. I stopped in while traveling. The woman working there was so friendly and very helpful- didn't care that I was only visiting and might never walk through the door again. She invited me to stop by for their open knit night, told me to come back if I had enough time in my visit because they'd be having a sale and was well… everything I want the small store around the corner from me to be and it's not. I will remember that store and certainly go back if I'm ever in Nashville again!

By: mara

mara — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:57:39 +0000

I don't have a specific story, but I will tell you what I like about my local quilt shop — Flying Geese Fabrics in Albany, NY. The staff are friendly and helpful. They carry a gorgeous variety of both traditional and modern fabrics and update their stock frequently. Oh, and they stock the whole collection, which is especially important for a quilter so you can easily find coordinating fabrics. Everything is clean and neat as a pin, and the lighting is good throughout the store. They are careful in cutting the fabric so you get what you paid for (at Joann's, I have to ask for an extra 1/8 yard or so because it's always completely wonky). They make beautiful fat quarter sets from different collections — which is a great way to inspire me to spend a lot of money! I wouldn't dream of bringing 8 bolts of fabric I don't really need to the counter to ask for a cut of each, but seeing them all so neatly packaged is irresistable.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:17:36 +0000

I think it's because people expect good service, and are more likely to remember the times they DIDN'T get it than the times they did. I can name off places that are always nice to me, but damned if I can think up a specific story about it :-/

By: TheCraftyRetailer

TheCraftyRetailer — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:46:44 +0000

I am familiar with Crystal Bead Bazaar and agree with your assessment! Owner Joanne Yalch is one hardworking lady! She has a lovely sense of humor, a kind disposition, and works diligently to ensure that every customer is a happy customer!

By: Jen!

Jen! — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:18:12 +0000

In the summer of 2008, I found myself marooned and lonely in Perrysburg, OH. My first weekend in town, I made a visit to the LYS there, Yarn Cravin'. WHOA. I wasn't lonely for long! Fabulous selection, employees, and services aside, the real selling point was how welcome I felt upon entering. Never before or since have I found that in any craft store. The family/friends atmosphere that the owners and regulars cultivate there is just incredible. Even though I only spent three months in Perrysburg, I still consider YC a “home” of sorts! :o)

By: Malla

Malla — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:24:56 +0000

I'm sad to see there aren't as many good stories as horror stories! The best craft store experience I ever had was at Bead Paradise II in Oberlin, OH. I went there without a clear idea of what I wanted, as I was just starting to move my bead shopping out of chain craft stores. The staff there patiently explained all the different things I was looking at and what they would work best with. Every time I go near there (and I live in PA) I plan my trip to go through and shop.

Also, my LBS, Crystal Bead Bazaar is a wonderful place, too, and is one of the few bead stores that tries to cater to weavers and stringers.

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:26:30 +0000

Yay! I love Pam and Marie at Cool Cottons, too. They're always so
friendly and helpful.

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:26:20 +0000

Now, there's an example of great engagement! And it had an effect,
because here you are, still wishing to support her even though the
store has closed. Excellent example – thanks, Kristen!