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This Penny Black stamp sells for $11.90 on the Penny Black web site. So what's this Jo-ann "regular" price of almost $22.00? 40% off, yeah, but still more than it costs from Penny Black! What's going on?
That's Joann's new(ish) business model, apparently. They price things outlandishly, then put them "on sale". I quit shopping there about five years ago because of this ridiculousness. There are still good deals to be had, but it's sort of hit-and-miss...
Yep, I've found the same as Sue. Many things are marked up dramatically. I find that it is wise to know how much the manufacturer lists as the price...no matter where you're shopping. Joanns is not the only place that does that.
That's Joann's new(ish) business model, apparently. They price things outlandishly, then put them "on sale". I quit shopping there about five years ago because of this ridiculousness. There are still good deals to be had, but it's sort of hit-and-miss...
Nothing really new about this. Jo-Ann has been over-pricing their stuff forever. It was like that when I worked there 15 years ago. All of their seasonal stuff for instance is typically priced double to triple what it's actually worth because they know it will only sell when it's on sale.
I think just the opposite, that JoAnn's is becoming the dollar store of craft stuff. They don't have the variety they used to carry and everything is on sale every day. I am very careful about what I buy there, not the best quality or value, IMO.
Mary Beth
I have not seen anything that drastic, but I haven't shopped there for a while. Last time I checked, the prices for stamp sets like Avery Elle were about $1 or $2 above the price on the Avery Elle site. I have got some really good deals getting things "on sale" and then "extra 20% off your order."
Some of their on-line prices can be good, especially if it's an item that's been around for a while. But I won't buy from them. I've only visited stores two or three times total, because the service was remarkably poor, and in one case rude. I emailed JoAnn's about it, but didn't get a response.
I always check at 123Stitch when I'm looking for a specific stamp or die. They have a big inventory, great prices and very reasonable shipping. They have the Snowy stamp:
I have brought it to Joann's attention regarding various items way over MSRP. Even with a sale it is still higher. Case in point. Tim Holtz fabric has a MSRP at around $10.00. Joann's reg price is 14.99. I get no response. So, you have to know your prices and shop around. Don't be fooled.
Way before JoAnn's was a craft store, it was a fabric store. After awhile, they created a small craft section. Over time the crafts section got bigger and bigger and the fabric section got smaller and smaller. It made me sad. You used to be able to buy such and eclectic array of fabrics but now it's mostly fleece, quilting fabric, and licensed fabrics. So few options for sewing actual garments.
__________________ Shellie G
Aspire to be a better person than you were yesterday
Way before JoAnn's was a craft store, it was a fabric store. After awhile, they created a small craft section. Over time the crafts section got bigger and bigger and the fabric section got smaller and smaller. It made me sad. You used to be able to buy such and eclectic array of fabrics but now it's mostly fleece, quilting fabric, and licensed fabrics. So few options for sewing actual garments.
Shellie, I think it depends on what your particular store stocks as to fabric. I also sew quite a bit as well as crafting. There is a large Joann Superstore near me and they have quite a nice selection of fabrics.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Way before JoAnn's was a craft store, it was a fabric store. After awhile, they created a small craft section. Over time the crafts section got bigger and bigger and the fabric section got smaller and smaller. It made me sad. You used to be able to buy such and eclectic array of fabrics but now it's mostly fleece, quilting fabric, and licensed fabrics. So few options for sewing actual garments.
I totally agree! I wanted to make a plaid skirt, and the only available option was flannel. Um, no...that's for shirts or pjs...
I went to a so-called "superstore" when I was in New York recently, and same thing - fleece, flannel, quilting, special occasion, licensed, that's it...
I used to sew all of my own clothes, but you sure can't do that if you shop at Joann's. Online is taking over every single thing we purchase, and I like to TOUCH fabrics before I decide if they're going to work for the item I'm making, so that's not a happy day at all...
Shellie, I think it depends on what your particular store stocks as to fabric. I also sew quite a bit as well as crafting. There is a large Joann Superstore near me and they have quite a nice selection of fabrics.
Mine is a superstore as well and it still doesn't have the selection of fabrics that it used to have. I actually find myself going to other (more expensive) fabric stores to find nice garment fabrics. Don't get me wrong, I love Joann's for their fleece and flannels, especially during the holiday sales. I've gotten some great deals during those sales. I just don't like the selection for things like skirts and blouses and the like.
__________________ Shellie G
Aspire to be a better person than you were yesterday
After paying on line and requesting store pick-up, I drove to Jo-Ann's today to pick up my all-time favorite paper pads I've purchased elsewhere that were on sale for half price. The sale price was legit. The pads were ready for me at the cash register, and the cashier was friendly and helpful. I then found Darice embossing folders - 5 for $10 - and asked someone a question. He spent 10 minutes talking to me about alternatives to what I wanted to do and telling me about a tin lantern he made. The crafting area was large and well stocked.
I had a chance to go into a Joann's in NC and SC. I was excited to go in one as there aren't any near me. I walked thru the stores fast as I wasn't able to find stamps/dies at good prices and still no black and white gingham ribbon. I was disappointed and won't go back.
I had a chance to go into a Joann's in NC and SC. I was excited to go in one as there aren't any near me. I walked thru the stores fast as I wasn't able to find stamps/dies at good prices and still no black and white gingham ribbon. I was disappointed and won't go back.
I rarely go to my local Joann's anymore, because they seem to carry the same things. I'd rather order online where I can find better deals and more variety. I recently purchased online from Joann's and had to return the item. I was impressed how easy the process was, and how quickly my refund was deposited. When ordering online you also have the option of picking it up at the store. It's a shame our craft stores no longer carry the variety they once did.
Explain this to me.(Jo-ann)
