Comments on: One last craft-store question for you…

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:15:20 +0000

Hey there – I just drew your name in a prize drawing! I need to contact you so I can ship your prize. Will you please email me? craftypod AT deepideas DOT com. Thanks!

By: SisterDiane

SisterDiane — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:15:20 +0000

Hey there – I just drew your name in a prize drawing! I need to contact you so I can ship your prize. Will you please email me? craftypod AT deepideas DOT com. Thanks!

By: cinderellen

cinderellen — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:14:19 +0000

All things being equal I would prefer to patronize locally based merchant for all purchases, crafty or not, because their profits do not go out of state. The independent craft stores are more likely to have a selection of supplies quite different from the Big Boxes, which makes my product more individual and special. The prices can actually be quite competitive, depending on what you choose. Also, Big Box stores never seem to have the sizes of knitting needles I need, or the quality I prefer. My elderly sewing machine performs poorly with the cheap thread available at W*M*. That said, I do sometimes buy supplies at the Big Box stores for convenience – not all indie stores are open on Sunday when I need some ordinary item RIGHT NOW, and the prices are great for some common supplies. I am fortunate, in that Hobby Lobby is based in my town, so it does fulfill some of my “shop local” criteria, and they carry loads of colors in the acrylics that make hard wearing easy care afghans.

By: JustGail

JustGail — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:53:16 +0000

When I go to the big-box store, it's low price on common items I'm after. When I go to the independent shops, I'm looking for a wider variety/better quality of that shops specialty, and sometimes advice. So, I buy DMC floss and acrylic yarn at the big box, and go to the local needlework shop for the hand-dyed flosses and even-weave fabric to go with the DMC, the quilt shop for a wider selection of cottons, the yarn shop for wool, etc. And no matter where I go, I appreciate it when they don't get snippy when I bring in something bought somewhere else, when I'm looking for things that will work with it. I think some places don't realize that "yes- this person may have bought that DMC floss on sale at Michaels, but they are looking at $10-15 in hand-dyed floss in my store that coordinates with that DMC, etc."
It would be nice if all big box stores would hire crafters/sewers/knitters/crocheters, but I doubt that will happen, so I'm usually happy that the people who work at Hancock/Joann/Michaels here are usually pleasant, and that the stores are clean. I have to say, in defense of the big-box employees, that quite a few people who don't normally do any crafts, seem to assume that everyone who works at those stores is an expert, and then get upset when the employee says "I don't know about that, maybe one of my co-workers do". It seems rather like assuming that the person who works at the oil change place would know how to replace the whole engine.

this has been a very interesting/eye-opening series!

By: pam

pam — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:32:43 +0000

My goodness! There is no shortage of comments on this subject! Like so many who commented here, I prefer to support the small independent shops, but often find that price, convenience and selection draw me to the “big boxes”. For me personally, shopping at an “Indie” shop is something I occasionally do for enjoyment – an adventure – a chance to explore, meander and find new things. But usually, when I need a craft item, I head to a big box because I know it will be there. And with the economy as it is, I only purchase what I really need.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:30:59 +0000

Well, I'm late. And I haven't read everyone's comments, but to me, the difference is that the big box stores sometimes are so big and so impersonal I just want to get what I came for and leave. I don't see a lot of what's there because I'm goal oriented. With an indie store, I am able to browse, really see things, and am not deluged with tons of the same kinds of things. It's very nice.

By: mollylee

mollylee — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:27:46 +0000

It's quantity vs. quality. The big craft stores, of course, have massive quantity but each item, on the whole, doesn't seem to be as nice as the indie stores -- findings seem flimsier, paper not nearly as cute, etc. On the other hand, things are CHEAP at the big box stores.

Plus there is often that enticing 40% off coupon that I cut out religiously from the paper every week that the little stores can't afford to offer.

Molly
http://mollylee.etsy.com/
http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com/

By: sometimescrafter

sometimescrafter — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:50:22 +0000

I like that indie stores offer a variety of options specific to the owner. Each store is something new and different. Even if its a few fabric stores with overlap of product, each will display it differently and give you different ideas. I would much rather spend a little more money and support a local favorite…but sometimes I do head for the big box for convenience. A trip across state lines in rush hour traffic is hard to stomach some days.

By: lsmucker

lsmucker — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:03:34 +0000

I love to shop at independent stores, however, the one indie general craft store we had near me simply couldn't make a go of it in terms of volume of sales and covering their costs. The store always had people in it, great atmosphere, offered classes, creative parties, stuff for kids, craft nights, but then failed to get the support needed to stay afloat. I do chose to shop for quilt fabric and fabric for my cloth dolls from quilt stores since the quality of the fabric provided is so much better and the staff at my local quilt shops are really great. If I need yarn, I crochet prayer shawls and afgans, I will go big box store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels. One thing I like about Hobby Lobby is their instore brand of acrylic yarn is quite nice and affordable. However, in terms of doll making supplies, the more specailized supplies (mohair, tibetan lamb pates, fabrics, eyes, patterns, tools) those I have to get via online stores as no shop near me has the selection that really fills my needs. While I like to look at all the goodies at the big box store, I seldom buy a lot there anymore as my crafting has shifted away from the type of supplies they carry. Not to say there's not lots there to like, but a lot of what they carry is for crafts that seem too designed (there doesn't seem to be as much room for creative play) and so other than good art materials and needle work basics (DMC threads, acrylic yarns, fabric paints) the need for me at least isn't there. I also find some of my craft supplies via thrift stores and yard sales and ocassionally see something at my local dollar store that can be transformed for crafty purposes.

By: Malla

Malla — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:27:16 +0000

I think the best thing about indie stores is that they always have the “necessities” for your craft, while the big box stores only have the hot, hip thing. Indie stores also are able to cater to all levels of interest in the craft, from those who have been lifelong devotees to those who just discovered it from Real Simple.

By: moonmist

moonmist — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:01:08 +0000

I'd rather Indie store vs. Big Box mostly because I have this romantic idea that the owners are like-minded like me who is enthusiast of the craft. While I don't expect Cheers type setting where everyone greet me like I'm a family, I also expected that they be empathetic for newbies or willing to help brain-storm or just think thru ideas. Unfortch, on the contrary, alot of times the owners thought really highly of themselves, and thus leave alot of newbies in the dust. So much so that there's a community of anti-that particular Indie store. So, that's the other extreme.

When I travel, I happen to have good luck when I tell people I found them on the internet or via someone else. They tend to be friendlier, as opposed to me walking in… go figure.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:48:08 +0000

It's different, and better, because it's run by actual people who want to be there (rather than people who just need a job).

My indie craft store is awesome. I get to talk to the woman who owns it, and her daughter. Everyone there knows my name and they greet me by name when I come in. These people are willing to help me extensively and have taught me so many techniques FOR FREE. The store is neat and tidy.

I love it there. They are wonderful.

Unlike the people at the big box around here, who are always grouchy, always.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:41:20 +0000

I love that the indie stores in my area will make a huge effort to bring in the products I ask for. If they don't have it, they'll order it for me. I love that. Once I even heard, "I know a woman who makes yarn like that, I'll get her to bring some in." LOVE that!

It also seems like indie stores have a better variety of events. Not only classes, but more relaxed craft nights, special workshops, even swaps and contests.

The shop owner runs the shop because they love it, because they're really, really interested in handmade. They talk about it all day long with the people who com through their door. The result of those conversations is that, they not only know that Sally is a great spinner and would make a great teacher, but that Sarah, Eli and Nicole are interested in spinning classes. Connections are made that wouldn't be made in a big box, and we get so much benefit from that.

By: SweeTart77

SweeTart77 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:33:59 +0000

With your podcast interview about this topic, it's really got me thinking about both the indie shops and the big box places.

I like the intimate atmosphere of the indies. Usually the owner herself is on site and because she's passionate (albeit somewhat burnt out) about her craft, she is willing to talk to me about my projects and share her ideas on things. The "I hate my job" cashier at Michael's NEVER even asks me what I'm working on when I pull up with an assortment of ecclectic supplies. And no one is able to answer my questions when I have them. I do take full advantage of the 40% off coupons that arrive every week and put them to good use on big ticket items like canvas and over ten dollar gel mediums, etc.

What I don't like is that the big box stores are becoming very "make in an afternoon and take" oriented. "Glue this to that and be done." or worse, "Take this mass produced sticker and put it on this made in China by a 5 year old thingy, and when you're tired of it, throw it in the landfill and come back for more."

For whatever reason it always seems that the indi store craft projects have a more timeless edge to them and that makes it well worth the extra coin I might have to spend to shop there. These day I prefer to make more timeless pieces that have a purpose rather than just make more stuff to add to my already-too-big pile of stuff (or yours!)

I also do a good deal of shopping for supplies on line. I like the laziness element of shopping in my jammies and the fun surprise of the UPS man knocking (read: Santa Claus!)

By: sharonstanley

sharonstanley — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:20:48 +0000

This is a very interesting question…I too live in a small town…we had a fantastic art store for a while serving paper arts people…scrapbooking, book making, cards, etc with loads of ribbon and embellishments…it was a lovely store and a lovely woman ran it…but like so many other small businesses in our area, it closed. In talking with the owner, it became obvious that lots of people visited and bought things, but just not enough to make the rent. She did all the right things in my mind…classes, great customer service, workshops, treats, sales etc…but face it, one must sell a lot of paper to pay $1200. a month rent. I really miss the convenience of the shop and the fun changing inventory, but like so many others I shopped the big box stores for discounts and cheaper prices as well as the local one…so I am not sure there is one right answer. I can say without a doubt there is an indie fabric store that far and away is better than any big box fabric store in the city I have seen and she is doing a great business…such a variety of the most popular offerings.