Your experiences at Joann's

[meluvstampin]

I am not going to ever go to this store again. Today was the last. Again I go their and the JoAnn's here does not know how to keep their shelves stocked! Everyday normal items are bare. And they are not even on sale or anything!
Then where the heck are the employees? There was 1 checkout girl and 11 people inline! I went up and asked her if they could open another checkout and she said they did not schedule anyone else. I asked her to put my items back as I was not going to wait in line that long. I did send an email on my store experience when I got home. I am just tired of our store as this is not the first time this has happened. Thanks for letting me vent.

[Johanna7]

Tina:

Could it be that hardly any staff could make it in due to the nasty storm we are having. You are in Wisconsin, hardly the tropics. I know here in Toronto that many did not make it in to work including the people on the radio. It is just too dangerous to drive.

[MSBetsyZ]

No, all Joanne stores are NOT alike, lol! I remember when my SIL came out from Long Island and we went to my Joanne's. I always complain how dinky it is, but she just RAVED about how big and beautiful mine was, lol! And mine is nowhere near the level of one of their super stores!

I will be ecstatic to hear they are shutting down mine, since that'll mean they'll start to turn it into a super store! Yippee!

[lovingyoualways]

I LOVE the on store in Dayton. I wasn't going to go but my mom told me you HAVE to go. I was thinking ok whatever mom. But she is a seamstress and we did live there for 10 years so I'm sure she knows something about the stores up there. WOW! Great store. Now the Joann's here is hit or miss. One doesn't carry anything stamp related the other one does. Sorry you had a bad experience. I'm glad you e-mailed them though, I just had to do that with Michael's.

[Ribbons and Ink]

ours is horrible too. it isn't an "etc" one, just one of the smaller ones. It is always the same as how you described yours Tina, empty shelves, no employees - no matter what time of year. I pop in once in a blue moon on the off chance that they have decided to improve but they never have. i am surprised they are still in business, i guess there are enough folks around here that buy fabric that it keeps them going.

[propecia]

the Joann's here is pretty bad. I also have had bad experiences with their online store so I don't shop Joanns anymore!

[craftycrunchymama]

I think it really depends on who is managing the store. I have visited about 6 different Joann's in 4 different states in the last year and they were all different. Luckily the one that I live by is great. I would call the manager over at your Joanne's to complain.

[stampin'hokie]

The store you describe sounds just like the JA' in my area.

[Marshaspeck50]

I am within driving distance of at least 3 JoAnn's. I guess I am the lucky one. They are all three well stocked and have lots of employees. The one in Novi is 2 stories!

[CknODaC]

On Black Friday I went to our local Joanne's, and about had a respiratory attack before I even got in the door.

Now I'm not asthmatic, but potpouri and certain fragrances are too overwhelming. Our Joanne's had a HUGE potpouri display IN THE VESTIBLE, you know, that 8 ft square space between the outside doors and the doors to the store?

It was so overwhelming that I thought I was going to die. So I hurry inside and ask an associate about it. She tells me there is nothing they can do since that is where "corporate" told them they HAD to put the stuff. So I told her I wouldn't be back. (And I was there to buy a new sewing machine, not exactly a "small" purchase!!)

I held my breath while literally running out of the store. (even with the doors closed, the smell was so overpowering when anyone came through them that shopping was impossible anyway.) I emailed corporate but haven't had a response...

When something like that is a health issue, you'd think they'd be a bit more flexible!

[stamper-c]

UGH!!!!!!
~ that's all I have to say about my experiences at Joanns!!!

[ScrapNStampinMama]

When I lived in Ohio the local Joanns we had was CRAP and I mean NOTHING but some jolees type stickers, few stamps, inks and paper CRAP(1 isle was all they had for BOTH scrap/stamp supplies)! Then if I would drive 30 mins away the joanns there was HEAVEN atleast 5 isles of Scrapbook and stamp stuff from dies, paper, stamps, scrapbooks and kits you name it! So it just really depends on the store I think.

[smitty2004]

unfortunately the poor girl checking out probably wishes she could have walked right out with you. you got to leave, she probably had another 8 hours of 11 or more people in line at all times...

[sassyat30]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johanna7

Tina:

Could it be that hardly any staff could make it in due to the nasty storm we are having. You are in Wisconsin, hardly the tropics. I know here in Toronto that many did not make it in to work including the people on the radio. It is just too dangerous to drive.

Weather doesn't have anything to do with it today in WI. It's sunny here...and where Tina is, also. ;)

Joann's just stinks ~ plain and simple. Doesn't matter where you go, they all stink.

[stigmom6]

Just wanted to add they are always the most expensive in my experience. Example: Cuttlebug at J's $89.99 at M's and HL $79.99.

[jtax]

There are two Joann's within easy driving distance of my house. One is very tiny and has very little. The other, which of course, is further away, is BIG, has a lot of merchandies, lots of employees, lots of check out stands that are open and is nearly always a very positive experience. It is also near a Borders and a Comp USA, so hubby can go there while I shop!

[Sanveann]

I've always been quite pleased with the one in Lansing. They have a great selection, and the checkout lanes are usually quite speedy.

[WeimFamily]

I'm very happy with the big Joann's near me. The employees are pleasant & helpful and the store is pretty well stocked. There's a smaller (mostly sewing) store a little further away - yuck. But every time I go into M's, it's an unpleasant experience.

[Quiltnstamper]

My store never has any stock either. A few months they remodeled and I had high hopes. But no, now the empty shelves are just newer. They did change their check out system so now you can get through the lines faster to not buy what you need.

[mrs_hawkins]

Sorry you had such a bad experience at your Joann's store. I've never had issues with the one near me. Except one instance, but it was sewing related. I was taking a how to sew a fleece stadium blanket class and they had no red fleece.

[Boss]

I'll add my "Ugh" to the list. Our Jo-Ann's is obviously typical - must be a management trait at the highest levels - remember "A fish rots from the head down." :confused:

We no longer have any other fabric stores in town, nor do we have any independent craft stores (the big box stores make it difficult for a small business to compete :( ), so Jo-Ann's is the only game in town! I will count my blessings that at least we have Jo-Ann's, because if they weren't here, the nearest craft/fabric store of any size is 45 min away. How pathetic is that??? Very....:rolleyes:

[ebethneu]

Sorry to hear about your experience.

Honestly, I havent been to mine in over 5 years. It's messy, disorganized so I can never find anything.

Id rather shop anywhere than Joanns.

[PMR]

Mine is pretty good. I have 3 all about 20 minutes from my house. The one I really like is good, I was just there. They do seem understaffed, but just about every store is these days. There is one I do not bother to go to and the other one is fine, I go if I am in the area. Our wal-mart just got rid of most of their crafts. I do have Michaels and ac moore fairly close too. And some really great local sb and stamp stores, I guess I am really spoiled.

[pyinfrisco]

This is my complaint about JoAnns - I hardly ever get to use the 50% off coupons in the store because you can't use it on merchandise that is already on sale and it seems like "everything" papercraft and scrapbook related is on sale during the 50% off promotion. I've checked with other people in other states and they've had the same experience. So last time I had a 50% off coupon and I couldn't find anything craft related not on sale to use it on I decided to get a magazine. The cash register wouldn't accept my 50% off coupon and the cashier informed me that "the magazines are 10% off this week so you can't use the coupon". I went back to the magazine isle and looked and there was no sign or any other indication that magazines were on sale. That's when I decided to not go back to JoAnns for a long time. Has anyone else had this experience?

[Boss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyinfrisco

This is my complaint about JoAnns - I hardly ever get to use the 50% off coupons in the store because you can't use it on merchandise that is already on sale and it seems like "everything" papercraft and scrapbook related is on sale during the 50% off promotion. I've checked with other people in other states and they've had the same experience. So last time I had a 50% off coupon and I couldn't find anything craft related not on sale to use it on I decided to get a magazine. The cash register wouldn't accept my 50% off coupon and the cashier informed me that "the magazines are 10% off this week so you can't use the coupon". I went back to the magazine isle and looked and there was no sign or any other indication that magazines were on sale. That's when I decided to not go back to JoAnns for a long time. Has anyone else had this experience?

Yes, almost every time I try to use a coupon. I was able to use a 40% off coupon on coarse sugar for cookies - it saved me about $1.50. That is the first and only coupon I've been able to have "qualifiy" in longer than I can remember. Pathetic, just pathetic....:rolleyes:

[debbins]

I haven't had much luch with ANY craft store!!!! Not sure what the problem is....... never much help, usually an attitude at checkout, and long check out lines~! Ugh.

[Mrs.Q]

The one here is horrid. Every single time I've been in there, there has only been one checker and one person at the fabric/ribbon cutting station. I still go of course because they have items I want. I just try to be patient and remember that it's not the employees fault that there are 50 customers and only one checker!

[ScrampShopper]

I have 3 huge JoAnn's within a 10mile radius, and I love them all. I'm in a relatively big metrapolitan area. I've been to the small, old JoAnn's in other towns and have been very disappointed at the size of the scrapbooking and stamping selections. Most of the old JoAnn's are still the fabric stores my mother used to drag me to as a kid. I hope they start updating them because I'm moving to a smaller city soon, and I hate the tiny JoAnn's over there, but a Hobby Lobby just opened up an hour away so I guess I'll survive.

[StampinHay79]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stampin'hokie

The store you describe sounds just like the JA' in my area.

I second that!!!!!!!:(

[meluvstampin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by meluvstampin

I am not going to ever go to this store again. Today was the last. Again I go their and the JoAnn's here does not know how to keep their shelves stocked! Everyday normal items are bare. And they are not even on sale or anything!
Then where the heck are the employees? There was 1 checkout girl and 11 people inline! I went up and asked her if they could open another checkout and she said they did not schedule anyone else. I asked her to put my items back as I was not going to wait in line that long. I did send an email on my store experience when I got home. I am just tired of our store as this is not the first time this has happened. Thanks for letting me vent.

We have some snow on the ground but our weather is fine and clear. I think it is truly that again they did not schedule enough people. It is common to go in there and yet hardly see any employees. The store was very busy today when I was as all the dshoppers were out and about,.

[Cynamom]

I can tell you, whoever runs that company needs to sit down and look at the bigger picture. The one in my town is TINY, I mean tiny, and still more of a sewing store. They have two 10-ft aisle of papercrafting stuff, that's it! There are other J's in nearby towns and they are the big kind. So why does the company do that? It's been like this for years and years, too.

[bekster]

It's funny reading people's experiences with their local Joann's stores. The subject caught my attention mostly because of an unusual experience I had at our store. The store itself isn't so bad. Though their supply of stamping stuff is minimal, and very unpredictable.

I can't go in there anymore without thinking of this particular event. . . .

As is usually the case, there was only one person working the check-out register. I was in line for a while behind 2 or 3 people, and as I waited I was talking to a friend on my cell phone. I had ONE item, and had my cash in hand ready to pay when it was my turn. But when it was my turn, the lady at the register said, "When you finish your conversation, I will ring up your order."
WHAT THE ****???? I have NEVER had that happen before, anywhere!
Now, little sweet me tells my friend to hold on, put the phone down and pay for my item. Shaking my head in disbelief and wondering if I am on Candid Camera or something. I guess the girl was either in a really bad mood or cell phones are against her "way of thinking". I'm not sure.
Whenever I think back on it, I wish I had thought quickly enough to say "Okay, I will be finished talking in a few minutes," and then just stood there holding up the line until I was finished with my phone conversation.

Maybe it's rude to talk on the phone while you spend your own money at a store, but no other stores have ever minded taking my $$$$ while I talk on the phone. Not to change the subject of Joann's stores, but any thoughts on this??? Maybe this should be a new thread..."cell phone etiquette."

[greetingstoinvites]

I hate their online policy. I received a gift that my SIL purchased online & wasn't able to return it to the store, even though when I called they said they would. I have to send it to their headquarters then get a refund that can only be used online. What a crock!!!
besides the fact I waited on hold forever!!!

[friendly63]

Ours is ok, seems stocked but I never walk out there feeling"Wow". I love Recollections but they are closing. The stuff there is classy and well coordinated with other products. Michaels is like a warehouse and stuff is crammed in tight aisles. I buy a lot online. After recollections closes I amsure i won't be going to craft stores much:(

[pigfingers]

Funny it must be different store to store -- I have had no problems with the one I go to, either.

Of course I haven't gone there looking specifically FOR something. I always find out whether I am going to like a store when I am looking for something and have to ask an employee. Michaels is absolutely HORRID and I can't understand why anyone thought I should go to AC Moore, either - that store was more dreadful than even Walmart -the store was horrible and the employees were worse and didn't know anything about what they had or didn't have.

[jor]

Our old JoAnn's store was AWFUL. Much like you described. However, they closed that one, opened a whole new store in a different building and it is now amazing. They hired all new staff, the store is well organized and well-run now. Sorry you have such a lousy one. Been there, done that.

[meluvstampin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jor

Our old JoAnn's store was AWFUL. Much like you described. However, they closed that one, opened a whole new store in a different building and it is now amazing. They hired all new staff, the store is well organized and well-run now. Sorry you have such a lousy one. Been there, done that.

I wish our stare would do that!!!

[wiggynine]

I visit two Joann's stores near me, thought not as much now as when I was doing more sewing and quilting. I get their flyer in the mail and can use their 40% coupons at either Michael's or AC Moore, also near me. I agree that their registers are usually understaffed. Sometimes I have to wait until the person from the fabric cutting table finished with that line for her to come to the register! However, the employees are usually pretty friendly. The scrapbooking/stamping supplies haven't changed much over the years - still the same type of papers, embellishments, etc.

Linda

[flwrldy3]

I have similar bad experiences at our local Joann's. Our Hobby Lobby isn't much better though they do carry more inventory. Walmart has eliminated all of their rubber stamping and almost all of their scrapbooking items. I pretty much have been ordering online most of the time unless I need something right away. I can find much better deals and products online even with paying shipping. I would prefer to be able to go the store if they would have better stock and less frustrating customer service. Our Joann's seem to not restock shelves on whatever is going to be on sale for the next week. When you get there even on the first day of the sale the inventory is almost empty.

I don't understand why these companies don't recognize the problem. Surely, they have noticed all the online companies.

As for pot pouri, thankfully most stores have quit using it in their stores. Many people, like me, are allergic to many of the things in it and cannot shop in any store that uses it. I have to avoid the aisles that have it packaged even. I have walked up to the door of many stores only to have to leave without shopping because of it.

[Scrapjanny]

Mine is closing, so I can't use any coupons period. :( It was OK, though. My biggest complaint is that they rarely got anything new in. It was the same old stuff every time I went in. BTW, I don't know if all of them do it, but Michael's and A.C. Moore accept competitors' coupons. I use my JoAnn's coupons at those stores all the time.