Discount stores: to support or not?
Teresa
I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
one time. So what is the answer?
Thanks for your opinions ----
Teresa
Stitchers Attic Designs
http://web2.airmail.net/sattic/index.html
Teresa
Pat Thompson-Dumas
Teresa wrote:
> As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
> only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
> they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
> This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
> one time. So what is the answer?
Teresa, I can't tell you how much I would LOVE to support a smaller store, but we don't HAVE
ANY!! As a matter of fact, I would have to travel three hours south to Albany in order to take
advantage of a needlework stores. The only outlet I have is our local MJDesigns, Ames and
JoAnn's Fabrics, none of which are needlework exclusive stores catering to my cross-stitch
interests. I had a shop an hour away, in Burlington, VT, but they closed down their cross-
stitching affiliation.
Additionally, my income is such that taking advantage of mail-order is difficult to justify when
I have to often deal with higher prices than the craft/discount stores AS WELL AS shipping costs.
Since a colleague of mine and I are considering opening a shop locally, I would suggest that
value-added benefits are the key to the survival of a small specialty shop, such as
* classes
* contests
* perhaps an internet hook-up in the store (if this isn't financially burdensome,
and if you own your own computer and have an ISP anyway, and there's no long
distance charges, it shouldn't be) to show customers the wealth of information
about their hobby/craft out there
* etc.
Pat
--
Patricia Thompson-Dumas | "Just because you're paranoid,
Mountain Lake Public Broadcasting | doesn't mean there really ISN'T
Pat_...@WCFE.pbs.org OR | something wrong with the server!"
pdu...@slic.com | - Anonymous
Steve and Terri
Teresa (sat...@mail.airmail.net) wrote:
: I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
: purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
: As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
: others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
: stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
I do buy things occasionally at WalMart or Michael's -- it's not always
easy to get to the needlework shops even in Houston, where we have so
many. Right now, I'm commuting to work three hours a day to work eight,
so the only time I have to get to a shop when it's open is Saturday, for a
few short hours. Needlework shops aren't open when I have time to shop,
and when I'm missing some beads, or a color of Kreinik braid, I tend to go
get them when and where I can.
That said, I spend a LOT more money at the needlework shops in Houston
than I do at Michael's et al. When I'm able to get to my local shop
(maybe once a month) I stock up on fabric, charts, any threads/beads/
notions for those charts, books -- all the things I can't find at
Michael's or WalMart. In the past year, I've spent almost $500 at one
needlework shop alone, and I doubt I've spent more than $20 at WalMart and
Michael's for needlework stuff altogether during that period of time.
(And that includes those two little MIll Hill bead kits I bought on
clearance at Michael's last month.)
If the needlework shops were open more often when I could get there, I'd
probably even buy the emergency items there, too. (Who would miss a
chance to see what new charts came in, even if you only needed one skein
of floss?) I don't think my spending patterns will be responsible for
any decent needlework shop going out of business, but if they want
ALL my business, all they have to do is stay open a little more often.
Terri
--
Steve and Terri Carl
ter...@neosoft.com
Darlene Jones
Teresa wrote:
>
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
Teresa,
I live in a small town with one needlework shop. This shop carries
mostly wool and acrilics for knitting with a smattering of cross stitch
supplies. The stitching supplies she does carry are very EXPENSIVE, and
the picken's very slim. (The owner doesn't like or do cross stitch!!) I
special order charts that I hear about on rctn from this shop, but I
don't buy my DMC here, as she sells it for .55 a skein (I can get it at
the Walmart for .28 and Michael's on sale for 5/$1.00). There is a
demand for linen here from some of the cross stitchers, but she does not
stock the color selection most of us in the area would like. Sooo, I go
to the "city" (Spokane) to a needlework shop there and leave a smokin'
Visa, which leads me to another thing.
> As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop
I have wanted to buy "Stitcher's Attic" designs for awhile. The
needlework store in town has never heard of them, so I asked at the
"Corner Cupboard" ("my" cross stitch store in Spokane). They
"discovered" them at market in Charolette (sp) but didn't order any
because they said that their distributor wanted a $250 order and they
couldn't afford it. Seems to me that if the designers want the shops to
sell their charts, there should be some sort of "deal" made with the
distributors to facilitate this. If the shops cannot afford the order,
who do WE order from??? (I have my daughter in Minneapolis buying them
for me at her needlework shop!)
> it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice.
It also seems to me to be defeating behaviour when a needlework shop
carries brands like DMC that can be purchased at the discount stores
down the street!! I realize the small stores are caught in a bind with
the manufactures, but why stock merchandise that can be bought at a
better price elsewhere?? It would be far better for the small business
person to invest their money in charts like Stitcher's Attic, MLI,
Prairie Schooler, etc, and threads like Needle Necessities, Gentle Art,
Caron Collection and leave the "usual" items to the chain stores which
they carry at a cheaper price. I buy 10 hanks of Needle Necessities at a
whack in Spokane, and would gladly purchase it here (in Moscow) if it
were available. Yes, we have made that know to the workers and the owner
of the store--she doesn't want to change her attitude.
> So what is the answer?
The answer, and I have lots of them, would be for the needlework store
in a Michael's and Walmart "area" to carry the speciality items that
cannot be purchased anywhere else.
That way, they will be able to serve their customers better and stay in
business.
Well, you asked!!!
Hope no one is offended by my remarks, they are not meant to offend.
Darlene
--
djo...@moscow.com
Darlene Jones
Moscow, ID 83843
http://www.uidaho.edu/~jone9538
"Listen carefully to first criticisms made of your work. Note
just what it is about your work that the critics don't like and
cultivate it. That's the only part of your work that's individual
and worth keeping."
* Jean Cocteau *
Jmsavard
In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net>, Teresa
<sat...@mail.airmail.net> writes:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
I prefer shops that are dedicated to cross stitch. I shop at discount
stores, but places like Michael's & Frank's just don't have the selection
or service.
Smiles, Julie Savard :-)
"Happily cross stitching away in beautiful Lake Orion, Michigan"
Kate Fuller
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> writes:
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
> they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
> This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
Kate Fuller
I understand and sympathize with Teresa's point, but I live in a
small town in Kentucky, and if I'm out of a color of floss, it's
either Wal-Mart, or do without until the next time I'm out of
town. Even when I go to the "big city"(Evansville, IN), the only
place to buy floss is Ben Franklin or Michael's. What's a small-
town stitcher to do?
Michele D. Forkl
On Tue, 24 Sep 1996, Teresa wrote:
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
> only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
> they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
> This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
> one time. So what is the answer?
>
> Thanks for your opinions ----
> Teresa
> Stitchers Attic Designs
> http://web2.airmail.net/sattic/index.html
>
I can only speak for myself on this, I shop at the discount places when I
need something simple now, like floss A). because its close and B)
because it's open at night when I usually run out of something. C) when
ther's a clearence sale and it's discounted a great deal.
I rely on my speciality shop for most things because I get personal
service and advice. The discount store will never have the choices or
special ordering ability of the small shop. They are still my first choice.
Michele>
###
Mary Smith
Teresa wrote:
>
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
> only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
> they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
> This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
> one time. So what is the answer?
>
> Thanks for your opinions ----
> Teresa
> Stitchers Attic Designs
speciality stores. The ideal situation would of course be for every
stitcher to have a speciality store close by, evening and weekend hours.
The small shops need our business! They don't have other crafts to help
support a large inventory of needlework. They should special order!!
Yes, many distributors have minimum orders or either $ amount of quantiy
of an item but so do not. What makes me the maddest is when I am in my
local speciality shop and a customer comes in with a materials or a kit
she bought at Michaels or Franks and wants individual help with the
project!! I am lucky to have a shop that happens to be minutes away from
a Michael's and a Franks that does not compete with them by stocking the
special threads and fabric choices. This certainly is a "hot" issue,
almost as "hot" as whether or not a shop has a bathroom!
Love all you stitchers..keep stitching..happy stitching... Mary
Heide Krch
I have to admit I was once a pure Michaels and Cloth World junkie :)
Largely due to my other hobbies and ignorance on my part. Now that I
have started to do more and more needlework and BIG thanks to this group
I have taken out my yellow pages! I have visited two shops so far, also
leaving smoking VISA trails, with two more on my list.
I have to give Michaels credit though - they did spark my interest.
Heide
Stacey Jonasen
Teresa wrote:
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
My love is NP so some things, like good canvas, can only be found at
specialty stores. I prefer to shop my local specialty store, but the main
problem is that the hours are terrible for someone who does the
burbs-city-burbs commute. The only time I can visit the shop is 10-4 on
Saturday. I have gone into New York Fabrics for floss, pearl 5 and beads in
common colors. New York Fabrics is open until 8:00 or 9:00.
I am curious about whether the shop owners have a handle on their customer
base. I am assuming that a number of the shops, like my local one, are
located in "bedroom" communities. Given the hours the shops keep, one would
assume that the majority of their customers are people who work at home.
I've always wondered if the stores would do better if the hours were
1:00pm-7:00pm.
Beverly W. Shimada
On Tue, 24 Sep 1996, Teresa wrote:
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
Several others have already mentioned this, but I'd like to emphasize it.
The Joann's, Treasure Island, and AC Moore in my area are all open *every*
evening until 9 PM, and they're open Sundays til 6 or so. Joann's and TI
are also much closer to my house than my "local" shop. And Joann's also
carries a number of other items that I find useful that my local shop
doesn't, such as fabric for finishing things, a multitude of trims,
interfacing, and other more general "textile" items. In short, in many
ways these shops are providing me with *more* service, than my local
needlework-only shop. And they have restrooms I can use. And their prices
are lower! Why wouldn't I shop there?
Beverly
A little grumpy that Cross Stitch Only is so far away!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -
Beverly Wilson Shimada bshi...@phoenix.princeton.edu
Department of Civil Engineering and Operations Research
Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Douglas Paul Spartz
In <324830...@mail.airmail.net> Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net>
writes:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
>Teresa
>Stitchers Attic Designs
>http://web2.airmail.net/sattic/index.html
I would always choose a specialty shop over a discount, because of the
individual attention, quality, inspiration, variety, etc. but still I
shop occasionally at a discount place for the following reasons:
1. Hours specialty shops are open. I live in the burbs of a big city
and work/commute downtown. Impossible during the week to get to a shop
either at lunch or after work before closing. There is one speciality
shop I frequent that has one late night a week until 7, but even that
is a stretch... Sometimes Sunday is the only day available to go...
2. Sometimes just need some needles, a few skeins regular DMC, etc. and
discount shops are conveniently located near where I live.
3. Like to pick up inexpensive small kits for traveling, or as a break
from a large intensive nice project from a specialty store.
These are my main reasons, but I think some people shop discount just
because they simply can't afford a specialty shop! I would like to buy
all my clothes from a designer boutique, too, but can't afford it.
Better to stitch something cheap then not get to stitch at all!
I do try to support the small shops whenever possible.
Cheryl Monnahan
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
Yes, I buy items at Michaels and Walmart. Why because they are close
to my home. There isn't a needlework store around. Even when I do
find one it is not easy to get to from my house and the hours are
terrible. 10-5 mon-fri and sometimes they are open on saturday and
sometimes not. Since I work usually 5-6 days a week, it is impossible
to get there while they are open.
>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
>only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
>they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
>This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
>one time. So what is the answer?
Maybe rather than only selling to the specialty shops you could do
exclusives for areas, then let people know where they can find your
designs.
I just visited San Diego, and was very surprised and the lack of cross
stitch stores. But the biggest surprise was the ones that I visited,
was the lack of current designs, and the lack of knowledge of those
designs or designers.
I don't know what the answer is but I do know that I get very
frustrated with a design that I have gotten and then I try to go to
buy the floss or the fabric and no one carries it. For instance, I
bought a pattern at the NeedleArts Show in Milwaukee. Little did I
know that the design called for ESTAZ.
Went to the needlework store 30 miles from my home thinking they would
carry it. Lo and behold, they had never heard of it. Bought another
pattern while I'm there, check the floss that it calls for and it
needs blending filament. Guess what? It seems like they have every
color but the ones that I need. Ended up at Michaels for that anyway.
Finally found a substitute for the the ESTAZ. Maybe I will finally
get the project done after 5 months of looking for the thread to
finish it.
I know the problems that small shop owners have and the competition
from the large companies and volumn discounts. I deal with it
everyday, in my husbands business. What we have decided to do is
carry what we can, at a decent price, carry what we use but the
customer has the choice of the convience of buying from us at a markup
that we can make a living with or driving to the discount stores.
This will be a way of life, until the big guys finally run the small
guys out of business. But we have found that our customers are
willing to pay that extra for having it close at hand.
Cheryl
Teresa
Teresa wrote:
>
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
The responses here and by email are very interesting indeed. Seems
most of us feel the same and want the same things from a local shop.
And on the other hand, those without local shops have very valid
reasons for using Michaels and other Craft/Discount stores.
Dealing with many shops, I do intend to let them know the main points
of comments here. Many have asked me about the subject and before
I've not had much to respond with. Well maybe now I can tell them
what you all want and do some good somewhere?
I wonder too, why do shops close so early on the weekdays? Why are
not more shops receptive to mail order customers? And --- just where
is that bathroom????? (lol Mary!).
Thanks for the comments and keep em comming! Oh and BTW, I do hope
that I didn't offend any of you who do go to discount type stores as
that was not my intentions at all! Really! I just wanted to hear
some opinions.
Happy Stitches!
Teresa
Lula
Another point of view to the question of discount stores versus
specialty shops and why or where the stitcher should shop---
I think the obvious answer is to have specialty shops cater to the
specialty stitcher wherever they may be.
It is their job to carry what the chains don't have or don't want to be
bothered with.
Small shops can move faster than large chain stores that have different
management levels to go through--chains can't do a turn around as fast
as a specialty shop in introducing new merchandise.
Small shopowners have to be on their toes and go to the trade shows and
check out what's new and come home to create an atmosphere of excitement
in their shops.
They have to do creative merchandising, stay open later and anything it
takes to operate a viable business if competition in their area is that
tough.
I know it's hard to be a retailer--but having once been a needlework
shop manager and then having my own retail outlet at mall and now a
designer with my own business--I've seen both sides of the "counter".
Discount chains are in the business of volume and low prices--their
operations are simply to move merchandise and go onto the next trend.
It's pretty much a self service operation.
Stitchers will shop these places for quick items like floss and other
specials--but they won't get very good service as compared to a well run
specialty shop who knows their business and works hard at promoting that
business.
Being a needlepoint designer definitely puts me into a specialty shop
catagory and I find the most succesful shops are the ones that promote
their business with lots of classes, interesting selection of
merchandise, top service and creative store promotions based on various
events--like trunk shows, shop contests for example.
If the shop is that good to the stitcher--more often than not--the
stitcher will support that shop despite the lower prices on some items
in the chain stores but no service.
Lula from Wooly Dreams Design
Teresa wrote:
>
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
> only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
> they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
> This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
> one time. So what is the answer?
>
Sharon G Company
I live in an area...Wilkes Barre, PA area, where the nearest Needlepoint Shop with a
decent assortment of handpainted canvases and threads, yarn, fibers or whatever we call
them, is about 100 miles away.
I have some advantages...I own a company that manufacturs handpainted needlepoint so my
supplies are available to me through different channels. But sometimes I need something
fast and I pick up the phone and mail order from an independent shop and will pay full
retail gladly.
Yes, some of you have a choice and others do not. But when given the choice of service
and clean fresh stock that doesn't get manhandled and look like yesterday's pasta dinner
you will find that an independent shop will give you just that. If you do not care about
selection and are willing to ask the manager of the lawn mower department if this blue
looks better than the other, then go for the large chain.
Believe me, the independent shops have a better selection, more sophisticated designs,
better threads, offer service and have a bigger comittment to the industry.
This thread has been around before. I hope you all understand the volume buyers get a
bigger break on price and can afford to use floss as a loss leader. They will get you on
something else. No one is in busniess to lose money. When was the last time you went
into one of those stores and came out with the 1 skein of floss and nothing else? Be
honest.
Sharon G
Darlene Jones
Sharon G Company <sha...@epix.net> wrote:
>Believe me, the independent shops have a better selection, more >sophisticated designs,better threads, offer service and have a big=
ger >comittment to the industry.
Maybe where you live that is the case, but here it is not to be. I still
say that if the idependent shop wants to do well, they would do well to
stock the merchandise that is not--NOT--not available in the chains.
Competing with the chains in self-defeating--you haven't got the volume
to purchase in quantity to make the price low enough for the consumer.
I have no problem with the chains attracting people with loss-leaders
(certainly WE ALL succumb to this tactic), but the small shop owner will
attract and KEEP the loyal shopper with their, "sophisticated designs,
better threads, service and a bigger committment to the industry"!!
>This thread has been around before. I hope you all understand the volume >buyers get a bigger break on price and can afford to use =
floss as a loss >leader.
My point exactly, let the large chains have their sales and loss leaders,
and, might I also add, employ people who otherwise would not have
employment, and leave the speciality items to the cooperative needlework
shops. When my town needlework shop realizes her selling potential, her
business will blossom. Perhaps, though, she likes it just the way it is,
and doesn't want to be bothered with a craft (in this case cross stitch)
she doesn't like.
I will buy where I am treated well, where I am made to feel that I, as
the customer/consumer, is listened to, and where the store will do all
they can to help me. When that occurs, I will go back and spend tons
there.
I think it all really boils down to the fact that everything has its
place, whether we like it or not. Fabicland or Jo-Ann's instead of the
town quilt shop, Michael's or Walmart instead of the needlework shop, the
name doesn't really matter, sometimes this is the store that has exactly
what you need at that time. To hold an elitist attitude that we should
only shop in needlework or speciality stores, is to defeat the concept of
free choice. We should not be made to feel guilty if we choose to shop in
a chain, or if we MUST shop in the chains because of our economic
circumstances, rather, we should be admired because we have the
motivation and imagination to create something beautiful--wherever we get
the materials from.
Whew!! <wiping brow and stepping down off her soapbox),
Darlene
PS When have you ever gone into the grocery store for "just a gallon of
milk" and not come out with a bagload of other "needed" items!!!
-----
Barbara Bandel
>Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
I admit, I used to drop in a Michaels or Ben Franklin's on occasion
for purchases of DMC and if that's what I need in great quantity, I
still do. But, I'm involved in two different RR's and since I like to
use a variety of fibers, those need to be purchased in a specialty
shop.
As I've said before, the Raleigh, NC area is a great one for cross
stitch shops. Two of them are open one night a week which is
wonderful for working folks who can't get there during the day. The
big discount stores don't carry the patterns and linens that I like to
use. Living here, I am spoiled and I definitely support the small
shops - love the atmosphere, the knowledge, and the help of the shop
owners. Also, some of the shops here do have bathrooms!!!!
Barb Bandel
mom...@nando.net
Jennifer Forster
In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net> Teresa wrote:
>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
>only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
>they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
>This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
>one time. So what is the answer?
>
>Thanks for your opinions ----
>Teresa
Hi Teresa.
I always believe in supporting smaller business owners when I can, and I do
buy almost all my charts and fabric at my local needlework store. However,
as far as DMC, needles, beads etc. goes, I'm on a budget and feel that it is
only in my best interest to pay the best price I can get. Isn't that how
everyone should naturally feel? My needlework store also NEVER has a sale on
anything but the super old charts and fabrics that NOBODY would ever want.
The way I look at it is this, if I'm on a budget, and I can buy floss, beads,
some fabrics etc. at a discount store, the more money I have to spend on new
charts from my needlework store!!
Jennifer
Jennifer Forster
In article <3248D4...@mail.airmail.net> Teresa wrote:
>I wonder too, why do shops close so early on the weekdays? Why are
>not more shops receptive to mail order customers? And --- just where
>is that bathroom????? (lol Mary!).
>
Teresa,
My local needlework store stays open late (until 8 p.m.) on Mondays and
Thursdays, which I think is a great idea for those who work, etc.
Jennifer
Cher
The answer is to live with it, because there will always be some who see
value in service, etc.; others who do but cannot afford it; and some who
do not. It is no different than any other, where some would never buy a
hand-made craft unless they can get garage sale prices; others who
recognize the all that goes into it and why those prices exist; and others
who recognize the all but cannot afford it unless they do find it in a
garage sale.
Cheryl
Deborah Meinhart
I am fortunate enough to have three excellent shops near me (The Stitching Post,
Stitching Pretty, and The Yarn Shop). I also have oodles of volume/discount
chains and they can't compare to the specialty shops. The last time I went into
one of the chain stores was when they had DMC floss for 8/$1.00. You can bet I
took big advantage (100+ skeins and nothing else) of their loss leader :-) I
then could use the money I saved to buy more charts and fabric (which is where
the profit is) from the small shops.
Deb
Sharon G Company wrote:
> <snip>
> Believe me, the independent shops have a better selection, more sophisticated designs,
> better threads, offer service and have a bigger comittment to the industry.
>
> This thread has been around before. I hope you all understand the volume buyers get a
lrasmuss
I think that once a stitcher finds a good needlework shop they have
what can (nearly) be described as a _compulsion_ to frequent the
shop. Any store that "specializes" will have a leg up on the
competition for true enthusiasts. I go to the discount stores for
as little as possible. For example, plain DMC embroidery floss.
But I have found that I do not care for the quality or selection of
the items at a place like Michaels or Walmart. They rarely carry
the special Zweigart fabrics I want and almost _never_ have the
specialty floss and fibers. However, I cannot beat A.C. Moore for
their selection of charms and other craft items that the needlework
shop doesn't carry.
Since the Walmart is just up the road from my local needlwork shop
I tend to visit the two stores on the same day. I start at the
needlework shop and hit the Walmart afterward. Sometimes they do have
an item or two that the NW shop does not, but I get a totally
different feeling from the NW shop that is not felt at the discount
stores. Even the wonderful A.C. Moore (where they have helpful and
knowledgeable staff) leaves me cold in comparison.
The thread going on now about what to have in a needlework shop
shows that these shops are very important to us. But I do believe
that discount shops have their place. In fact, I asked the NW shop
proprieter if Walmart had any affect on her business, and she said
it definitely did not. I was very happy to hear that -- perhaps we
are not the only people who think specialty shops are very
worthwhile.
Lucinda
In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net> sat...@mail.airmail.net writes:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
>only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
>they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
>This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
>one time. So what is the answer?
>
>Thanks for your opinions ----
>Teresa
Marsha
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
>only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
>they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
>This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
>one time. So what is the answer?
>
>Thanks for your opinions ----
>Teresa
>Stitchers Attic Designs
>http://web2.airmail.net/sattic/index.html
If I had access to a *real* needlework shop, I would much rather frequent
that instead of one of the discount stores - mainly because the smaller
shops seem to have much more of a variety of patterns, etc. For
instance, our Michael's has maybe a half-dozen of MLI's angel
patterns...and that's it. Nothing else. BUT.....I would be lying if I
said I wouldn't take advantage of prices on things like floss if I could
get a better deal at a discount store.
Am I riding this fence or what? ;)
--Marsha
Michelle Kurmas
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote in article
<3248D4...@mail.airmail.net>...
> Teresa wrote:
-snip-
> I wonder too, why do shops close so early on the weekdays? Why are
> not more shops receptive to mail order customers?
I haven't replied to this thread so far, but......
My guess as to the reason that small shops aren't open late has to do with
the fact that they are run by individuals rather that large businesses.
Let's face it, do you want to stay at work for 12-15 hrs each day? Don't
you want to be able to go home, spend some time with your family and relax.
I know, I know, then hire someone. Okay, so you hire someone to work for
you. Now out of your profits, comes not only wages, but the taxes
(unemployment and Social Security) that a business is obligated to pay.
And then there's the issue of whether you need to provide insurance to your
employees. For some shops hiring an extra person to cover those extended
hours may not be financially feasible. (and I won't even comment on the
open 24 hrs stuff!!) I realize that this is a business, and as such it
provides a service for its customers. However, business are run by people
who have their own lives apart from it. The people who own small specialty
shops (of any kind) do it not just for the money, but because they love
what they do (and sell), but that doesn't mean that they have no life
without the business. I've known a couple of shopowners (both needlework)
and I own a business myself, so I know quite a bit about what it takes to
run one. If having your local shop open late is a priority for you, then
communicate with your shop's owner. Everyone always comments that shop "X"
is run by such a great person, but they aren't open late. If the owner is
such a great person, then talk about this! Maybe the owner is unaware
(unlikely, but possible) of the issue. More likely she (or he) doesn't
have anyone who is willing/able to work the hours. For those of you who
seem to think the store isn't open when you want it, consider employment
with the store. Not only will you be acheiving your goal of keeping it
open late, but you'll be earning to support your habit.
Sorry.....one of my pet peeves is people who gripe, but won't get invovled.
I'll get down off the soapbox now.
--
Happy Stitching!
Michelle Kurmas
kur...@worldnet.att.net
Diane Deno
Jmsavard wrote:
>
> In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net>, Teresa
> <sat...@mail.airmail.net> writes:
>
> >Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> >purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> stores, but places like Michael's & Frank's just don't have the selection
> or service.
>
> Smiles, Julie Savard :-)
> "Happily cross stitching away in beautiful Lake Orion, Michigan"
I too prefer needlework shops over discount stores...I enjoy looking at all the
stitched models hanging on the shop walls....chatting with the owner and
staff....they can tell you when a designer has a new pattern out or what they've
seen/ordered at market, my main shop here in the St. Louis area has special
ordered many many things for me over the years. I think two of the things I enjoy
most and are most valuable to me is the information sharing.....have you seen this
linen color..how about trying this combination, etc., and classes. Plus the
needlework shops definitely have bathrooms available for customers!!
I would love it if the shops in my area would be open on a Sunday sometimes....
I can absolutely sympathize with people who live in areas where needlework shops
just aren't convenient.......I guess I would do an awful lot of mail order and/or plan
a once-a-month visit........I am just not a fan of the Michaels or Ben Franklin here
in St. Louis.......they don't have a very big selection of charts/graphs, no service
support, and everything is crammed into one aisle....no room!
Any way...that's my .02ข.....no harm intended.
Diane
St. Louis
mary
>> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
I know I am receiving/reading this thread out of order, but wanted to
put in my .02. Although I live in a city of 120,000, with probably a
market area of 150,000 we do not have a single specialty needlework or
cross stitch store. If I drive 20-25 miles in either of two opposite
directions I can find 3 very small shops in tourist towns. None of
the three is at all service oriented, don't want to order, don't care
about hearing about new products. The closest I gotten to a positive
reaction was one owner looking at her co-owner and saying, Yeah, we
might look for that when we go to the next show. If I drive 40 miles
north, I do get to a good shop, large, well-stocked, and an owner who
volunteers to order me anything I want. Unfortunately, the highway to
that store is "affectionately" known as Blood Alley, so I don't
venture up there too often. So, no wonder I shop at Michaels and The
Store Formerly Known As Ben Franklin.
I am sorry to hear of designers avoiding chain stores. I hesitate to
order through the mail just because of a general feeling I have that I
like to see and touch what I am buying.
Mary, wishing I were going to the Sacramento SOXS.
Mary
Salinas, CA
The Salad Bowl of the World
Kathy Tatarcyk
Teresa wrote:
>
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
> don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
> smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
> set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
> only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
> they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
> This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
> one time. So what is the answer?
>
> Thanks for your opinions ----
> Teresa
> Stitchers Attic Designs
> http://web2.airmail.net/sattic/index.html
Theresa,
I for one do not shop at WalMart unless I have no alternative. I don't get
much needlework stuff at Michael's either. I tend to get my other craft
supplies at Michaels. I get probably 80% of all my needlework supplies right
at my local needlework shop. My husband and I own a small card/comic shop and
when WalMart moved in our business took a nosedive. Then when the local
Walmart opened a card shop within the store I vowed I would not give that
store my business unless I had no other choice. I have to feel that they were
specifically trying to drive us right out of business. Not just us but also
the other 2 card shops in town. If I can't get to my needle work shop I will
to to Michaels or Ames first and then if they don't have what I want I will
go to Walmart. I for one believe in supporting the small shops and will
continue to do so until the bitter end.
Kathy in Maine
Diane Riepe
I just had to put my 2 cents worth in on this one. My mother used to
have a shop in Spokane. She carried lots of x-stitch and yarns (and
still has stuff in the garage). She got real tired of people going to
the discount stores, buying the materials and then coming to her for
help. In answer to x-stitch stores not carrying DMC--I can't imagine
such a thing. For one thing, it takes the discount stores forever to
get the new colors, and even if I don't use them right away, I don't
know about everyone else, but I just have to have those new colors in my
stash:) I agree that buying large amounts of DMC is definitely cheaper
at the discount stores, and that's too bad. But if I need a specific
color or two, I'm probably going to go ahead and get it at the specialty
store rather than mess with Michael's (which gives me a headache) or Old
America Shop.
Another interesting thing--when I worked with my mother in her store,
crewel was very popular. I actually had a lady not buy the kit in our
store and go to a larger store, pay more money (we had ours discounted
to get rid of an older design) because she said it had to be a better
quality!! Go figure.
Steve and Terri
Michelle Kurmas (kur...@postoffice.worldnet.att.net) wrote:
: [clip].... For those of you who
: seem to think the store isn't open when you want it, consider employment
: with the store. Not only will you be acheiving your goal of keeping it
: open late, but you'll be earning to support your habit.
If I worked at a needlework store instead of at my current job, I'd
be making so much less I couldn't afford to support my habit!
Terri
--
Steve and Terri Carl
ter...@neosoft.com
Andrea Carlson
I agree with Michele totally. As all stitchers know, we are compulsive
collectors of charts (and often materials) and you can't beat the chains
for discounts & sales. Not to mention convenience if you are already at
Wal-mart to pick up your DMC while you pick up other things. Also, I
think experience is a factor. If you are just a beginner or heading
toward intermediate, cost is a factor. As you become a better stitcher,
you want the specialty store with service and supplies.
I do agree with supporting my local stores (just located a great one
nearby).
I like it to buy better material, specialty items, and the selection of
charts as well as comaraderie (sp.) . The specialty shops that I've
liked the best over the years, encourage friendship among stitchers and
often have small, one-page newsletters. They make you feel welcome.
Darlene Jones
Marsha <mwa...@grits.valdosta.peachnet.edu> wrote:
>Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>>
>>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>>set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice. Discount
>>only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
>>they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
>>This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
>>one time. So what is the answer?
>>
>>Thanks for your opinions ----
>>Teresa
>patterns...and that's it. Nothing else.
Hey, Marsha, how do you rate?? Our Michael's just had the MLI"s on
half-price sale, and now they are all gone--they are not ordering
anymore.(No, I didn't buy any--I they didn't have the ones I am looking
for!) Also they are selling out on all the Mill Hill beads--yes, I
stocked up!!
Darlene
--
Wendy Wilson
>Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
I purchase floss, Mill Hill beads and the occasional prepackaged piece of
fabric at a chain store (Michaels and Lewiscraft here in Canada) but pretty
much everything else at the specialty shop. The reasons I shop at the
chains are because they're closer to home and open late.
My specialty shops are an hour's drive away and they close at 6 every night
but Thursday (when they close at 8). I don't finish work until 6!! In a
floss emergency, you just can't hold off until the weekend to buy it! :)
I value the selection (and the stitching help) that the specialty shops
offer me and I'd gladly give them all my business -- even if they charge
more for DMC -- rather than going to a chain store that can't/won't cater to
my needs. But until the specialty shops are open late more than one night
a week, that's not gonna happen.
Just my 0.02 cents Canadian.
--
Wendy Wilson (wwi...@discovery.ca)
Public Relations Coordinator
Discovery Channel (Canada)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"That's a popular misconception, Ray. Wolves only kill when they're
ravenous and their preferred prey is large hooved animals. I don't see how
Mrs. Pumputis' Pekinese can bear a passing resemblance to a caribou, even if
it was wearing shoes." - Constable Benton Fraser, "Due South"
Jo Hepner
I just went to this needlework store (Louise's) near where I work. The
lady there wanted to know who I was, what kind of experience I had, ... We
ended up talking for about 15 minutes before I ran back to work. What
fun!!
I asked her opinion on the new Artisan frame. She was very enthusiastic.
Due to her, I'll probably buy one. My DH said to buy what I wanted and
then to give him the extras (i.e. buy the frame and may be some extra
scroll bars and the chart holder and then give him the scroll bars/chart
holder) to hold until xmas. The kids will then pay him the cost of these
items and no one will have to guess what I want. Kind of takes the
surprise away but then I know that I'm getting something I really want.
OR
Louise's also has a gift registry. Since she will order the Artisan stuff
for me, I could put down the extras I want and then let my family choose.
Drawback: my DH and sons don't like going into stores like Louise's. But I
would then be surprised (or not -- might have to go after xmas and buy
them anyway).
Oh well. I'll stop rambling now.
--
Jo Hepner
Nicole Neville
The problem with specialty stores is the floss!! 45-50 cents a
skein! HA! I would NEVER pay that much! I'm dying to know what a
skein of floss is at cost! There is a little military craft store
that I go to. (I don't know if that's any better since it's owned
by the government) They have floss for 25 cents, that where I go
to get floss and some MLI patterns. As for the other specialty
stores in my area I have no problem getting beads, specialty
threads, fabric and patterns no matter what the cost is. I feel
I'm getting a great deal! Think of other hobbies! Hundreds and
Hundreds of dollars worth of....you name it! (sports cards for my
husband) My hobby doesn't even compare to his. Also, as for mail
order through stitchery or CS&CF, NEVER AGAIN! I ordered all this
stuff, got half of it, then got one more thing then got a post card
that the other would not be here till mid october! Plus it's too
expense! I ended up getting half the stuff at the xstitch stores,
because I'm soooo impatient! hahaha!(well actually all of it
except one pattern). Wow did I just write that much? oops! haha
Nicole in Hawaii
http://members.gnn.com/NNevi35453/index.html
Michelle Drawhorn
>Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
When Michaels had 6/$1 floss sale two years ago, I bought one of every
color that I didn't already have. I used this sale to complete my DMC
collection because this left me with enough money to go to my local
xstitch shop to buy patterns. I haven't used Michael's for xstitch
supplies since my floss spending spree ( I finished my collection for
$54). I have an AWESOME local shop and am committed to doing my
business with them. They are professional yet give that personal
touch that is important for a small business to succeed. If I am in
Michael's for another reason, I will walk the xstitch aisle and if I
see something I like I'll drive the three blocks to my shop to see if
they have it. If they don't and it's still in print, they order it
for me. I would absolutely die if this shop was forced out of
business. It doesn't look like that is about to happen though, so for
now they get all my business.
Michelle Drawhorn
Lafayette, LA
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"
-Eleanor Roosevelt
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/1052
Sandi Larsen
Teresa wrote:
>
> I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
> others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
> stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open.
I shop wherever I feel like it. This includes one local specialty shop,
Michael's, various fabric stores, and assorted mail order companies.
Supporting specialty shops is all well and good, but who's going to
support me while I'm spending all that money? And what about the
employees at the discount stores? They need jobs too. If nobody
patronized them they'd be out of work. And, in the case of one unnamed
specialty shop, I'd rather shop at Michael's than put up with their
snooty attitude. So my bottom line is that I shop wherever suits me
best; I spread it around so everybody gets a piece of my action. I
don't consider myself personally responsible for keeping anyone in or
out of business.
Sandi
Shaun and Melinda Montgomery
I live in SE Washington State--in the desert, in a group of three towns
that total about 150,00 (approximately). We *had* a speciality shop
that went out of business early this summer (illness in the family, I
understand her business was always good). We have a Walmart, Jo-Ann's,
Craft Warehouse, Michael's and two FabricLands. I am told that there is
a speciality shop in Yakima (90 miles away) and I think there is one in
Spokane (150 miles away)....SOOOO, absolutely NO whining about driving
40 miles *anywhere* for a speciality shop--is that clear?! <VBG>
In one of the responses to Theresa's question, someone suggested that
beginners might like to shop at a discount store because they will spend
less money initially and as they gain experience, they can go to a
specialty store.....
I disagree. I think it should be the other way around. I think
beginners should absolutely avoid the discount stores and patronize a
speciality shop. My best friend recently started doing cross-stitch and
I told her to hang out at the speciality shop. She bought the MLI bride
with the flower girl and is almost finished with it. She (BF) got a
SUPerb outline/overview of how to do the project and lots of advice on
different fabric choices, how to change the bride and groom's coloring,
resource material.....
I miss the speciality shop. I would always get floss from the discount
store because I blanche at the thought of paying 49¢ for a skein that
sells for 29¢ at JoAnn's. But I dearly miss being able to pick up the
patter, the fabric and the comraderie all in one place. I managed to
make myself annoying enough at our local Michael's this weekend that the
cashier felt the need to haul the store manager from the deep, dark
recesses of the store to deal with me. I wanted to know if they
could/would order Jubilee fabric for me. No questions, no ifs, ands or
buts. "There isn't any such thing." said she. "But there is." said I.
"I've never heard of it." she responded. "That means it doesn't exist?"
I queried. "I *am* a professional." she huffed. I did ponder for a
split second at asking her "a professional WHAT", but it was Sunday...
and I had just been to church.....
Melinda M.
Sally Klem
In article <529j1v$d...@news.campus.mci.net>, Kate Fuller
<kwaf...@mcc-uky.campus.mci.net> wrote:
> I understand and sympathize with Teresa's point, but I live in a
> small town in Kentucky, and if I'm out of a color of floss, it's
> either Wal-Mart, or do without until the next time I'm out of
> town. Even when I go to the "big city"(Evansville, IN), the only
> place to buy floss is Ben Franklin or Michael's. What's a small-
> town stitcher to do?
>
Hi Kate! I thought you might want to know that there is a "big city"
cross stitch store in Evansville called Stitcher's Count. It's on the
Lloyd Expressway almost all the way out to Univ. Southern IN. Sorry I
haven't got the address here at the moment. If you need it or a phone #,
e-mail me. The selection is good, the staff is friendly, the owner is a
special lady. If you get there, tell Diane hi from me. No affiliation,
just enjoy the shop and the people.
Sally in IN
Whitney
Kindof like, you can please all of the people some of the time, but not
some of the people all of the time, eh?
<G> Rhonda
barbara la scala
> "Michelle Kurmas" <kur...@postoffice.worldnet.att.net> writes:
>> Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote in article
>> -snip-
>> I wonder too, why do shops close so early on the weekdays? Why are
>> not more shops receptive to mail order customers?
> I haven't replied to this thread so far, but......
> My guess as to the reason that small shops aren't open late has to do with
> the fact that they are run by individuals rather that large businesses.
> Let's face it, do you want to stay at work for 12-15 hrs each day? Don't
> you want to be able to go home, spend some time with your family and relax.
> -snip-
This question of opening hours is currently a hot topic where I live.
Previously trading hours have been regulated. It was illegal for most
shops to trade at any time other than 9 to 5 on weekdays and 9 to midday on
Saturday. The government is proposing to remove all restrictions and let
shops trade 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This has caused an uproar as
many shop owners now feel obliged to stay open extra hours in addition to
the regular ones.
I think the whole idea of trading hours needs to be rethought. The old
hours where fine when most married women didn't work but nowadays approx
75% of the adult population works outside the home, generally 9 to 5 on
weekdays. I would like to support the shops in my local suburb, but I work
in the city so there is no way I can get to them during the week. The last
thing I want to do on a Saturday morning is leap out of bed at my normal,
weekday hour and join the crowds of working people trying to cram a week's
worth of shopping into 3 short hours. What I would like to see is these
suburban shops (the needlework shop in particular) opening say 10am to 4pm
on weekdays and 11am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. This is actually
fewer hours than before but would make these shops so much more accessible
to a big slice of the population.
Barbara
bf...@ee.mu.oz.au
Cheryl Monnahan
mom...@nando.net (Barbara Bandel) wrote:
>use. Living here, I am spoiled and I definitely support the small
>shops - love the atmosphere, the knowledge, and the help of the shop
>owners. Also, some of the shops here do have bathrooms!!!!
Yes you are lucky. Some of us have yet to find that shop
Cheryl
Jean Clawson
Before going to Ben Franklin's or Michael's, I went to my local shop
and one not-so-local shop. Unfortunately both the specialty shops had
VERY poor selections of Mill Hill beads and Krenik
metalics...therefore... I confess I purchased everything I needed
(save for the fabrics) at the large chains.
And I'm like the other person that said she's not about to pay up to
50-cents for floss. When I can find it for as cheap as 6/$1.00, I'm
going to stock up by purchasing it.
The only kits I've purchased were for my children and, since I had to
look high and low for them, I bought them where I found them (House of
Fabrics).
I know this isn't the answer most people want to hear and I'm sorry
for that. I, too, hate to see local shops going out of business.
Unfortunately, with today's economy (and given the financial
situations in most homes in America), the major chains are probably
going to be frequented more than the speciality shops as most everyone
is looking (mostly out of necessity) for the best bargain.
Unfortunate; but that's the reality of it.
-Jean
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Experience is what causes a person to make new mistakes
instead of old ones.
(je...@aa.net)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nancy Lorraine Taylor
In the past month I have spent $177.69 at my local cross-stitch store.
I don't buy my floss there (except speciality fibers.) I don't feel
bad about not buying my floss there. I buy patterns at Michaels. I
don't feel bad about buying patterns at Michaels. I'm sure my local
store didn't feel bad about taking my $177.69.
Cheers,
Nancy Lorraine
PS This is not intended as a slight against my local needlework
store. They're a great bunch of ladies, even though they refused to
sell me shares the last time I was there. :)
On Wed, 25 Sep 1996 08:12:02, JFors...@gnn.com (Jennifer Forster)
wrote:
>
>In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net> Teresa wrote:
>>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>>set by the manufacture or designer and they have no choice.
>>Teresa
>
Linda McIntosh
Interesting thread! Just to add my .02 (Canadian No Less!) I would love
to shop at a small Cross Stitch specialty shop only we don't have any! My
nearest Cross Stitch only shop is is 2 hours away! So I have to shop where
every I can. Needless to say I put a BIG dent into my Visa doing
mail-order and at my trips to the nearest SOX -
hurray - it's back at Saratoga in '97
--
Linda
Remember - Nothing goes right , if your underwear's tight!
mcin...@odyssee.net
<324838...@moscow.com>...
> Teresa wrote:
> >
> > I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> > Michaels and Walmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> > purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
> Teresa,
Kathy Tatarcyk
Michelle Kurmas
>snip
> I haven't replied to this thread so far, but......
> My guess as to the reason that small shops aren't open late has to do with
> the fact that they are run by individuals rather that large businesses.
> Let's face it, do you want to stay at work for 12-15 hrs each day? Don't
> you want to be able to go home, spend some time with your family and relax.
> I know, I know, then hire someone. Okay, so you hire someone to work for
> you. Now out of your profits, comes not only wages, but the taxes
> (unemployment and Social Security) that a business is obligated to pay.
> And then there's the issue of whether you need to provide insurance to your
> employees. For some shops hiring an extra person to cover those extended
> hours may not be financially feasible. (and I won't even comment on the
> open 24 hrs stuff!!) I realize that this is a business, and as such it
> provides a service for its customers. However, business are run by people
> who have their own lives apart from it. The people who own small specialty
> shops (of any kind) do it not just for the money, but because they love
> what they do (and sell), but that doesn't mean that they have no life
> without the business. I've known a couple of shopowners (both needlework)
> and I own a business myself, so I know quite a bit about what it takes to
> run one. If having your local shop open late is a priority for you, then
> communicate with your shop's owner. Everyone always comments that shop "X"
> is run by such a great person, but they aren't open late. If the owner is
> such a great person, then talk about this! Maybe the owner is unaware
> (unlikely, but possible) of the issue. More likely she (or he) doesn't
> have anyone who is willing/able to work the hours. For those of you who
> seem to think the store isn't open when you want it, consider employment
> with the store. Not only will you be acheiving your goal of keeping it
> open late, but you'll be earning to support your habit.
> Michelle,
You hit the nail right on the head. My husband and I own a small card and
comic business and we are open 7 days a week. In the past during the summer
he would close on Sundays but since Walmart dug in here and because I felt
the business should stay open I went in and worked on Sundays. You wouldn't
believe the number of people who were surprised I was open on Sunday and who
would come back each Sunday to get comics or cards. My husband has bent over
backwards to try and give people what they want. After Thanksgiving he stays
open until 8:00 at night but it hasn't been a big cash generator but he feels
that he should be there and open for those customers who might show up. It
isn't easy being a small business owner for the specific reasons you stated.
Most times we are making just enough to support our family and couldn't even
think of hiring someone.
So if you want your shop owner to stay open late, tell them. Maybe they can
do like my husband and close for an hour or so for supper then go back and
open for a few hours. What does it hurt to ask? Most small shop owners would
be glad to know they could generate more business if they opened the shop at
different hours.
Off my soapbox now.
Kathy in Maine
Angela C. Lukach
Shaun and Melinda Montgomery (sm...@3-cities.com) writes:
> In one of the responses to Theresa's question, someone suggested that
> beginners might like to shop at a discount store because they will spend
> less money initially and as they gain experience, they can go to a
> specialty store.....
>
> I disagree. I think it should be the other way around. I think
> beginners should absolutely avoid the discount stores and patronize a
> speciality shop. My best friend recently started doing cross-stitch and
> I told her to hang out at the speciality shop. She bought the MLI bride
> with the flower girl and is almost finished with it. She (BF) got a
> SUPerb outline/overview of how to do the project and lots of advice on
> different fabric choices, how to change the bride and groom's coloring,
> resource material.....
she's a *beginner* and is almost finished MLI's The Wedding???????!!!!
*BOGGLE*
i've been doing cross stitch for 9 years and haven't dared touch anything
linen yet! i have that pattern and Celtic Christmas both staring at me
reproachfully from the pattern box when i go to pull something out.
i am in *awe*!
angie
-----
Unsolicited commercial e-mail is NOT welcome! Permission to include my name
and email address on any email mailing lists is expressly forbidden. Any
violation of this will be reported to your postmaster as a formal complaint.
Laurie or David Graham
Kathy Tatarcyk wrote:
> So if you want your shop owner to stay open late, tell them. Maybe they can
> do like my husband and close for an hour or so for supper then go back and
> open for a few hours. What does it hurt to ask? Most small shop owners would
> be glad to know they could generate more business if they opened the shop at
> different hours.
>
> Off my soapbox now.
> Kathy in Maine
Kathy and others who own or are considering running a small business--isn't a
basic principal of successful business to "build a better mousetrap"? So
this listening should go both ways--ask customers or potential customers what
they want. I know you can't please everyone, but if you keep hearing the
same one or two things over and over again, then you really should consider
providing that service/product. Kathy--go to the Wal-mart and ask the
customers in the card section why they're buying there, and what *you* could
offer to bring them into your store. I agree that there are some things that
a small store simply cannot compete with a large chain in. So don't try.
Stop beating yourself over the head with it. IMHO, no small needlework shop
should carry DMC floss unless they can offer it for at least 25 cents a
skein. If you're going to lose money at that price, discontinue it and refer
customers to the large chains for it. That way, instead of a customer
feeling that you're trying to rook them by charging them waaay more, they
feel that you're concerned about their best interests. See the difference?
Remember "Miracle on 34th Street" (the original)? And also, I think that
small shops don't spend enough on advertising. Let's face it, the majority
of stitchers learn by picking up a kit at Michael's or some other big craft
store. Unless they know that you exist, how can you get their business?
That's another whole can of worms, I know. I'll just say this: Word of
mouth is all very well, but I wouldn't want to depend on it for *my* income.
Sorry to go on so long, just this very opinionated woman's view.
Laurie
Jennifer Chu-Carroll
In article <vabohiu...@delphinus.ee.mu.oz.au> bf...@delphinus.ee.mu.oz.au (barbara la scala) writes:
>>> "Michelle Kurmas" <kur...@postoffice.worldnet.att.net> writes:
>>> I haven't replied to this thread so far, but......
>>> My guess as to the reason that small shops aren't open late has to do with
>>> the fact that they are run by individuals rather that large businesses.
>>> Let's face it, do you want to stay at work for 12-15 hrs each day? Don't
>>> you want to be able to go home, spend some time with your family and relax.
>>> -snip-
>>I think the whole idea of trading hours needs to be rethought. The old
>>hours where fine when most married women didn't work but nowadays approx
>>75% of the adult population works outside the home, generally 9 to 5 on
>>weekdays. I would like to support the shops in my local suburb, but I work
>>in the city so there is no way I can get to them during the week. The last
>>thing I want to do on a Saturday morning is leap out of bed at my normal,
>>weekday hour and join the crowds of working people trying to cram a week's
>>worth of shopping into 3 short hours. What I would like to see is these
>>suburban shops (the needlework shop in particular) opening say 10am to 4pm
>>on weekdays and 11am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday. This is actually
>>fewer hours than before but would make these shops so much more accessible
>>to a big slice of the population.
I also have a problem with the operating hours of most specialty
shops, and that's why I haven't made it to one for months! I
understand that the people who run the stores have lives and they
probably have a family to attend to and all that, but part of running
a business is that you need to take into account your customers
needs. I'm not saying that they should stay open 24 hours, but I think
that in an age when a lot of local (non-chain) specialty shops are
going out of business, it is important that the stores are open when
people can get to them. Otherwise how are they going to get business?
Personally I don't understand why many stores are open 10-6 Monday
thru Saturday (and closing earlier on some days). I've never been to a
needlework shop before noon, but I wonder how much business they get
in the morning anyway. Maybe they can, for a couple of weekdays a
week, open from noon to 8 so that people like me who don't get home
until 7pm will have a chance to stop by? That way they don't have to
work extra hours, and my guess is that the two extra late hours that
they are open are going to attract many working people who can't get
to their stores otherwise.
Just a thought,
Jennifer
Laurie or David Graham
Shaun and Melinda Montgomery wrote:
> I managed to
> make myself annoying enough at our local Michael's this weekend that the
> cashier felt the need to haul the store manager from the deep, dark
> recesses of the store to deal with me. I wanted to know if they
> could/would order Jubilee fabric for me. No questions, no ifs, ands or
> buts. "There isn't any such thing." said she. "But there is." said I.
> "I've never heard of it." she responded. "That means it doesn't exist?"
> split second at asking her "a professional WHAT", but it was Sunday...
> and I had just been to church.....
>
> Melinda M.
Oooooh, Melinda, you're a bigger woman than I am! I would have told her to
wait, run home and gotten DH's laptop computer and the modem, and come back
and gone on-line to show her not only that it existed, but that I could (and
would, now) order it from a supplier over the internet! THEN I would have
told her that she was obviously a professional idiot because noone could be
that stupid w/o really working at it....Actually, I probably would have just
asked if I could prove its existence if she would order it for free, then
gone on to prove it...Or, better yet, where is your store located? Give us
the phone # and we can all call or drop in asking for Jubilee fabric.
Heehee!
Laurie
mon...@bio.tamu.edu
I think that a small store could help itself greatly by creating a demand.
Maybe a small store can't *stock* a tremendous number of kits or unusual
patterns, but they can special order. Many already do offer special order.
BUT I think it would help if specialty shop owners went beyond that to make a
point of making manufacturer's/designers' catalogs available for browsing!
That's a basic rule of business--create a demand!
How can a customer special order something if they don't know it's out there?
If a store had a spot for browsing through catalogs from DMC, Lanarte,
Zweigart, Eva Rosenstad, etc., you can bet that people would order things!
Most of these catalogs come with a separate price list, which (I think) would
encourage customers to order through the shop (which could then take the
regular markup) rather than jotting down the address/phone/price/item number
and ordering the item themselves. I bet lots of folks would be glad to hand
the job of arranging an overseas order over to a shop!
Ditto for more expensive frames, stands, lights, gadgets, etc. Many of us
have heard of them and might like to own one, but would like to *see* one or
try one out before buying. Making a sample available to play with would
probably result in lots of orders.
I realize that stores probably don't make a huge profit on special order
items, but it sure does create a lot of goodwill, and if someone special
orders a chart, they're going to need fabric, thread, beads, etc., and if they
buy a floor stand with scroll frame, they'll buy something to go on it... I
think most manufacturers would negotiate their minimum order rules if they
could rely on a steady demand from the shop...
(Case in point--there is a store in El Paso, where my mother lives. They
carry a lot of nice fabrics, but only very simple charts (no MLI, Mirabilia,
etc.) because they say there's no demand in the town. ??? I wonder if they've
TRIED displaying some charts, models, or catalogs--most stitchers I know would
start drooling and buying!!)
Just a few thoughts...
Monique
Scotti Fuller
mon...@bio.tamu.edu wrote:
>
> I think that a small store could help itself greatly by creating a demand.
> Maybe a small store can't *stock* a tremendous number of kits or unusual
> patterns, but they can special order. Many already do offer special order.
>
> BUT I think it would help if specialty shop owners went beyond that to make a
> point of making manufacturer's/designers' catalogs available for browsing!
> That's a basic rule of business--create a demand!
<big snip of great ideas>
> Just a few thoughts...
>
> Monique
Hi, Monique --
That is one of the most sensible suggestions I have seen on this
newsgroup - on any topic. You done good.
Scotti
Amy K. Morgan
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
I shop at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Wal Mart, and a local shop I just
discovered, Thread Connection. (I'm in Oklahoma City.) I think I can
sum up the difference between the first three and the last one in this
example: I went to Thread Connection the other day to purchase some
material that the owner had ordered specifically for *me*, and before
I left, he basted the edges of the cloth for me. (I have no sewing
machine.)
I don't mind paying more for materials if I get that kind of service.
He also has every supply I have ever been in need of, as far as beads,
braid, metallics, cloth, etc. And DMC floss is $.20 apiece. Same as
at Wal Mart.
I find that the "discount" stores often have the same things over and
over, and a lot of kits and leaflets that I wouldn't ever do. Also,
our local Wal Mart craft section seems to prefer other crafts over
cross stitch. I guess it's too time intensive? :-)
Anyway, that's my two cents. Sorry the message was so long.....
M. Rancid
Teresa wrote:
>
> Teresa wrote:
> >
> > I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
> > Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
> > purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
> >
>
> not more shops receptive to mail order customers?
I happen to be very lucky. While my specialty shop is only open late one
day a week, they are open SEVEN days a week. And they special order any
pattern/thread/fabric that I might need. Though I must admit due to
financial reasons, I buy DMC floss at Wal-Mart.
M. Rancid
Sharon G Company wrote:
>
> This thread has been around before. I hope you all understand the volume buyers
> get a bigger break on price and can afford to use floss as a loss leader. They will
> get you on something else. No one is in busniess to lose money. When was the last
> time you went into one of those stores and came out with the 1 skein of floss and
> nothing else? Be honest.
>
> Sharon G
I did just last week. I will buy the DMC floss there, but nothing else.
Two x over
theresa--
while i can certaintly sympathize with your feelings...you are creating
work for a nitch market-very often, people dont have a choice but to go to
a discount retailer--i know for myself, it is a 45 minute drive to the
closest needlework shop-and i am not about to drive that for a skein of
floss....sure i do support the specialty retailer, but to say no to
discounters...well-do you use coupons?? do you shop at a grocery chain,
or just a gourmet shop?? the price difference is the same i would
say-proportianatly.
Thutmosis
I make it a point to buy from the specialty cross stitch shops where I
live. Mostly for the selection, service, and quality of products. I'm
also very fortunate in that this shop has retail hours. They are open
until 9 pm every night and 1-5 Sundays. It's right on my way home from
work!
When my husband is done with school, we will be moving to a town that
doesn't have a specialty cross stitch store. :-(. I've prepared for that
as much as I can. I found a good mail order place that has everything I
need, so I'll just order from them. It has the quality, service, and
selection that I like in a cross stitch store, only it's in mail order!
Just my $.02 worth.
Dana
Steve and Terri
Laurie or David Graham (dbgr...@earthlink.net) wrote:
: ...IMHO, no small needlework shop
: skein. If you're going to lose money at that price, discontinue it and refer
: customers to the large chains for it. That way, instead of a customer
: feeling that you're trying to rook them by charging them waaay more, they
: feel that you're concerned about their best interests.
Well, while I might buy some floss at WalMart, I have a full set of DMC
now. If I buy floss, it's just a skein or two when I run out of a color,
or if I'd rather have Anchor (which the discount/chain stores don't
carry.) If I'm already at the shop, it's handy to have *some* DMC in
stock, so I don't have to make an extra trip to another store for just one
skein of floss. MOst needlework stores don't make much (if any) money
on DMC anyway; I agree that they shoudln't tie up much of their inventory
that way, but it is nice to have it handy when you need it... (And I
don't mind paying twice the price for a small number of skeins when it
saves me the time and expense of a trip to Walmart!)
Terri
--
Steve and Terri Carl
ter...@neosoft.com
Your Name
In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net>, sat...@mail.airmail.net
says...
>
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores. These
>stores make it hard for smaller specialty shops to stay open. If we
>don't support them, they can't survive. As for prices, most of the
>smaller shops are stuck with prices they can't discount. Prices are
>only carry items they can get from places like Leisure Arts because
>they give a discount store a lower price based on volume purchased.
>This volume is way more than a specialty shop could ever purchase at
>one time. So what is the answer?
>
>Thanks for your opinions ----
>Teresa
>Stitchers Attic Designs
>http://web2.airmail.net/sattic/index.html
I'm delurking to respond to this. Please bear with me while I get the
hand of it. In Fort Myers FL where I live the closest cross stitch
shop is 30-40 miles away in Naples. My only choices for charts and
fabric is Walmart, JoAnns, Ben Franklin, or mail order.
While I love to support the shop in Naples, it's not always convenient to
get there on a regular basis so I have to rely on the craft discount
stores.
Amy Pfaff
rpf...@peganet.com
Karen Rodgers
cmon...@nconnect.net (Cheryl Monnahan) wrote:
>Yes, I buy items at Michaels and Walmart. Why because they are close
I hate Michael's, they ran out every other major craft store around.
The only competion they have is Walmart, and that only recently, here
in San Diego.
>to my home. There isn't a needlework store around. Even when I do
>find one it is not easy to get to from my house and the hours are
>terrible. 10-5 mon-fri and sometimes they are open on saturday and
>sometimes not. Since I work usually 5-6 days a week, it is impossible
>to get there while they are open.
That's pretty typical of what I've found around here, I can only think
of two small craft stores in the county. Granted that's a pretty
small number, and San Diego county is huge, I haven't a prayer of
knowing of too many's existence.
>>As a designer, who refuses to sell to anything other than a specific,
>>specialty Needlework or Cross Stitch shop, it concerns me when I hear
>>others talk about buying things at craft/discount stores.
(Snipped)
>I just visited San Diego, and was very surprised and the lack of cross
>stitch stores. But the biggest surprise was the ones that I visited,
>was the lack of current designs, and the lack of knowledge of those
>designs or designers.
We have a scant few small stores for needlework. You can thank
Michael's for that. They took out both Lee Ward's and H&H Floral
Supply, both much better stores than Michael's by leaps and bounds.
I would rather eat my socks than spend money in that store, but on
occasion, they're the only people that carry the floss and other
supplies I need.
Karen R.
krod...@4dcomm.com
Ron and Eileen Kjellman
I go to where it is most convienient and cost effective.
I don't have a needlework shop near me and the Walmart and
Michaels are 20 minutes to a half hour away (I know thats not
far to someone who commutes 2 hours to & from work every day,
but I hate driving). So I tend to "stock up" when I go
someplace that sells craft supplies, wheither it's a local
discount store, needlework store or mail order. If I can
get 2 or 3 projects worth of supplies at Walmart as apposed
to one project at a speciality store thats all the better to
keep me happy. Now if there were a speciality store right in
my neighborhood, I would probally shop there, I wouldn't object
to paying the few cents more per skein of floss, because I
would be paying for the conveince of being close to home, plus the
customer service.
Eileen
IGH MN
P.S. Anyone intrested in opening a shop in IGH MN. I would shop there!
Beverly W. Shimada
On Thu, 26 Sep 1996, Laurie or David Graham wrote:
<snip>
> Remember "Miracle on 34th Street" (the original)? And also, I think that
> small shops don't spend enough on advertising. Let's face it, the majority
> of stitchers learn by picking up a kit at Michael's or some other big craft
> store. Unless they know that you exist, how can you get their business?
I've already replied to this thread, but this hit a nerve with me too.
I've lived in this area for 12 years, been stitching the whole time, and
NEVER KNEW there was a shop 8 miles from me! (not the best shop, maybe,
but provides different service from the chains.)
Admittedly, NJ is a difficult place, because we are broken up into 500+
very tiny communtities that don't communicate very well with each other.
Even so, our county contains the state capitol, as a result has a decent
daily newspaper with a "Time Out" section, and I have never seen an ad
from this shop.
There are also 2 other shops in Pennsylvania, each less than 20 miles from
me, and I also did not know of their existence. More advertising would
definitely help.
Beverly
PS. When I moved to Houston, I found the shop in Old Town Spring in about
a month...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beverly Wilson Shimada bshi...@phoenix.princeton.edu
Department of Civil Engineering and Operations Research
Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Wes & Karin Blue
I certainly agree that we should support our local specialty shops (if you
have one). The problem is, lots of us don't live within reasonable driving
distance of a specialty shop. Sometimes I need (or want) something _now_.
I can't always make that 45 minute drive, and specialty shops aren't open
late or on Sunday. And, WalMart is open as close to 24 hours a day as it
gets.
-- Karin
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too
dark to read."
- Groucho Marx
blu...@iquest.net
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote in article
<324830...@mail.airmail.net>...
Jennifer Chu-Carroll
>>IMHO, no small needlework shop
>>should carry DMC floss unless they can offer it for at least 25 cents a
>>skein. If you're going to lose money at that price, discontinue it and refer
>>customers to the large chains for it. That way, instead of a customer
>>feeling that you're trying to rook them by charging them waaay more, they
>>feel that you're concerned about their best interests. See the difference?
I think that specialty stores *should* carry DMC floss. Maybe they
don't have to have 50 skeins of each color like the chain stores do,
but I think they should have some of each color (can they buy them
loose from the wholesalers? Or do they have to buy a box, however many
that is?). When I buy a pattern (like TW) where I would need about 50
skeins of floss, I go to a chain store for them. On the other hand, a
few months ago, I bought Thea Dueck's Summer Dreams. It called for
linen, silk ribbon, perle cotton, and about 3 skeins of DMC floss. I
ended up buying everything at the needlework store. To me, the
difference of 25 cents per skein for 3 skeins of floss just isn't
worth my trouble of stoping at a different store. I would have been a
little annoyed if this store had not stocked any DMC floss, since it's
such an essential part of cross-stitching!
On the other hand, when I bought my first TW chart at Stitching Pretty
(Laurel, MD), not realizing how many colors of DMC I needed, I almost
bought all the supplies at the shop. The lady kindly pointed out to me
that they sell it for a lot more than the chain stores and that I should
go buy them somewhere cheaper!
Jennifer
Patty Schmidt
"M. Rancid" <mra...@infi.net> wrote:
>Sharon G Company wrote:
>>
>> This thread has been around before. I hope you all understand the volume buyers
>> get a bigger break on price and can afford to use floss as a loss leader. They will
>> get you on something else. No one is in busniess to lose money. When was the last
>> time you went into one of those stores and came out with the 1 skein of floss and
>> nothing else? Be honest.
>>
>> Sharon G
>
get the skein or two you need, and then go home. Patty
GeoBlum
In article <324830...@mail.airmail.net>, Teresa
<sat...@mail.airmail.net> writes:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
I purchase items at both discount stores and my specialty store. At the
discount store I will purchase floss if it is 6/$1.00 or better. I will
also purchase items if they are on closeout. (TW Carousel Horses for less
than $10.00 kit with linen, Zweigart Jubilee was closed out at $3.00 for
18" x 18"., etc) Patterns, books, linen, needles, etc. I buy at my
specialty store. They are always helpful, will try to order anything I
want, know what type of patterns I like, and greet me like a long lost
friend when I walk through the door.
George
"No harm will befall you, No desease shall touch your tent,
For He will order His angels to guard you wherever you go.
They will carry you in their hands lest you stumble on a rock...."
Ninety-first Psalm
Massanyi
I personally support the specialty shops. No discount store can offer
the service, variety, and knowledge they do. However, I will occasionally
buy floss or something small at the discount stores when I need something
"in a hurry". I work full time and most of the shops are only open late
one evening and all of them are a much farther drive than the local
Walmart or fabric store. But for my fabrics, patterns, specialty fibers,
etc. , I count on the specialty shops.
Monica M.
KristinaHc
In article <324A8B...@telenet.net>, Jeanne <bir...@telenet.net> writes:
>Hi all,
>
>Does anyone have a web site for Serendipity? I read somewhere that they
>have a chart called 'Lady of the Lake'. Would love to view it before I
>go searching for it. Thanks. Jeanne
>
>
I don't know if they have a web site, but I've seen this pattern. It's a
lady dressed in white medieval looking clothing with a unicorn (I *think*
she has the unicorn on a leash...?)
Kristina
Krist...@aol.com
Aladdin01
>Sharon G Company wrote:
>>
>> This thread has been around before. I hope you all understand the
volume buyers
>> get a bigger break on price and can afford to use floss as a loss
leader. They will
>> get you on something else. No one is in busniess to lose money. When
was the last
>> time you went into one of those stores and came out with the 1 skein of
floss and
>> nothing else? Be honest.
>>
>> Sharon G
Well to be perfectly honest, I did that two nights ago...(by the way, it
was DMC 891 - wow what a great color! 25 cents and one cent sales tax by
the way.)
I can also remember several trips to Wal-Mart or Michaels or Pat Catans
and coming out with maybe 20-30 colors of floss...that's it... and way
cheaper than a small shop would charge.
Michaels is also a great place when they have the "half off any one item"
coupon...BUT they do get testy if you don't follow the coupon rules, so
you have to pay attention...and use that coupon to get something expensive
like a good frame or the DMC color guide! :)
However, the one time what I thought was merely an advertisement turned
out to be a coupon... I protested to the manager and got the discount.
What I feel is the same sentiment as several others do, my money goes
where I want it to... The large, discount stores for the basics, and the
small stores for variety. The small store is a great place to learn from
their expertise, and I am glad to buy from them when they have something I
can't find elsewhere, but when floss, kits, aida and sometimes pattern
books are cheaper at a larger store, they get the sale.
Wig & Judy Graves
A lot of stitchers who work outside the home (don't know why, but I hate
that title - I'm a stay-at-homer) have said that they'd really
appreciate shops that would stay open late just one night a week. Well,
so would I! I'll bet there are plenty of moms who can't go during the
day without taking their kiddos - and we all know what a challenge that
can be - who could go at night when Dad's around to babysit. I only go
to Michael's when I desparately need a skein of floss at 8:00 pm. I
really don't mind paying quite a bit more at the specialty stores. When
I lived in Waco I had a wonderful (and I mean WONDERFUL) shop close up
because Amber's (now in Chapter 11 - big surprise) moved in and sucked
up a lot of her trade. I cannot forget that feeling; my message to all
stitchers? SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL NEEDLEWORK SHOPS!! I realize it's not
always convenient or even possible, but make the effort. The
consequences are pretty grim.
Judy
P.M. Burnham
Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
Well I am GLAD GLAD GLAD that we finally have a specialty needlework
shop in my city (Saskatoon). After the only needlework store had
closed down 2 years ago I was really hard pressed to find anything I
needed--and at a critical time when I was really getting interested in
expanding into the wide world of cross stitch (made my first BIG
project that year --MLI's Ice Angel).
Because there wasn't a specialty shop I was "forced" to go to the
discount and large franchise stores. Although I find that the price
that I pay for DMC is a little more at the specialty shop, I do not
miss the frustration that I had to deal with when trying to get my
materials from the large stores. I would have to wait months to get a
piece of linen... sometimes I would have to make due with material
which was a little too small, a colour I didn't care for, or with
specialty fibers that I would have to wait for (because they WOULD NOT
under any circumstances place special orders).
I might not have very much money...being a student and all, but I
would rather support the smaller, more expensive stores (although I
can't buy as much as often) than deal with the stuff that the large
and discount stores put me through. The small specialty store workers
all know my name...if I order something they CALL me when it comes in
and they haven't lost an order yet, they will cut the material to the
exact size that I need, and they will assist me and show me new
needleworking methods! For the single reason that I am treated as a
valuable customer and not just another annoyance I will continue to
support my small local shop as much as is financially possible!
Pam/MoonsLark
Stephen Jones
It has been my experience atmost of the specialty shops in this
area that if you don't spend big bucks they don't care if you shop
there or not. Discount stores don't look down their nose at you if
you just buy one skein.
Melissa
J. Miller
This is quite an interesting thread. Before RCTN I would buy my supplies
any place that I found them without giving it a single thought.
Now that I've been saved, um, *enlightened*, I purchase everything at my
local xs store. Well, except floss. I"m trying to complete my collection
of floss and so I wait for the really good sales and buy the floss where I
can get the best deal. I do buy some regular floss, and all specialty
threads and beads, at the xs store if I know I need it for the project and
I only need a few skeins.
I used to work at a store like Michaels when floss was 5 for a dollar and
changed to 4 for a dollar while I was there, I thought that was bad. Now
it is 3 for a dollar, I will not pay even higher prices for large
quantities of floss.
I think this is reasonable. Floss where the sales are, *everything* else
at my local xs store. Of course, then I have the challenge of buying only
what I came in for (yeah, right!).
slan,
jamie
--jamiem@u.washington.edu---http://weber.u.washington.edu/~jamiem/
"So let me get this straight. You want to fly on a magic carpet to
see the King of the Potato People and plead with him for your freedom,
and you're telling me you're completely sane?" - Rimmer, Red Dwarf,
Quarantine, Season 5.
twitch
I've been reading this thread with fascination. And for the record, yes, I
do frequent Hobby Lobby and Michaels. But we really retired to Lubbock,
TX, so I'd have access to Pocket Full of Stitches.
I've been stitching, both needlepoint and cross stitch since 1984. In that
time, thanks to Uncle Sam, we've lived in (in chronological order)
Arlington, VA; Newport, RI; Panama City, FL; Arlington, VA (again); Las
Vegas, NV; Carlsbad, NM; and finally, Lubbock. In each of those towns I've
attempted to find a specialty stitching store. Arlington is blessed with
Nimble Needles, and I never had to go near Wal-Mart et alia. Newport had a
couple of adequate stores, but if you weren't interested in stitching
almost exclusively New England designs, you might as well forget it. They
also had never heard of special orders. Panama City has the needlework
store from hell. I purchased an Eva Rosenstand cross stitch kit there (my
first, I like to live dangerously), and when I went back in four or five
weeks later they wanted to know whether I'd finished the piece. Since it
was about two feet by three feet, I told them no. I hadn't even had time
to start it. They immediately told me that I couldn't be a real stitcher
with the implication that I didn't belong in their store. Apparently the
people who shop there either don't work or lie a lot. At the time, I was
working approximately 70 hours per week, plus I wanted to finish the two
needlepoint projects I was working on. As I left the store I vowed never
to go back there again. An easy vow to keep since Uncle conveniently
transferred us back to Arlington and Nimble Needles.
Las Vegas was another _wonderful_ experience. I found two "needlework"
shops there. At one when I tried to find some Anchor wools for a piece I
was working on, they told me they'd be happy to order it for me if I had
the address of a distributor. The other was a little more accommodating,
but they were terribly disappointed I wasn't interested in knitting. In
the desert? When it was still in the 90s in November? No, thank you.
Carlsbad was another interesting experience. The sum total of available
materials outside WalMart was a Winn's. Some interesting dried flowers.
And I picked up some styrofoam balls for some needlepoint ornaments I was
making. Otherwise we had to drive 178 miles to Lubbock. Fortunately since
we couldn't buy shoes, clothes, or most other necessities in Carlsbad, we
went to Lubbock often and Pocket Full of Stitches gave me their 800 number
so I could get supplies in between trips.
You'd better believe I support my local store. But at the same time I do
go to Michaels when they have floss on for $.20 per skein. On a retiree's
income, I need to count the pennies. However PFOS just got a lot of them
for a dazor magnifying lamp, so I think they're happy I live here now.
What I think I'm trying say at such great length is that there are
specialty stores and not so specialty stores. I wonder how many of the
small stores that go out of business are like the ones in Panama City?
Insulting customers is never good business.
Sharon
KristinaHc
>Teresa <sat...@mail.airmail.net> wrote:
>
>>I would like to hear comments about purchasing needlework items at
>>Michaels and Wallmart or other Craft/Discount type stores verses
>>purchases at speciatly needlework or cross stitch shops.
>
>
Please don't flame me, but.....I really do try to buy all my floss at the
specialty stores. I know it can be a lot more expensive, and I'm not
saying that everyone else can or should do this.
But I've seen floss stomped on all over the floor at both JoAnn and
Michael's. I'm very careful with my needlework, so I want to make sure
that I'm using materials that have been treated well from the start.
Plus, I like the fact that the DMC in specialty shops is well organized in
those little boxes. The embroidery section at the JoAnn's near me isn't
exactly the cleanest, so I worry about how clean the floss is.
A few years ago, one of the shops near me decided to stop selling DMC
floss and were only selling Anchor. Because I've built up a good sized
floss collection, I just needed about 10 skeins to start my next piece.
Honestly, I was annoyed that they didn't have the floss, and even more so
that I got an odd answer about Anchor being "better quality" and that's
why they weren't carrying DMC. (I was excited about whatever project it
was I was starting and this remark made me feel bad! I don't think that
anyone wants to be told that their choice are "inferior")
It really made me start looking for a different store. I don't really know
the specifics, but by the next time I had wandered in, they were selling
DMC floss again.
Please don't stop selling floss at the speciality stores!
Kristina
Krist...@aol.com
DrMeow
In article <3248D4...@mail.airmail.net>, Teresa
<sat...@mail.airmail.net> writes:
>
>I wonder too, why do shops close so early on the weekdays?
Just a guess, but many shops have very few employees, if any. It's
difficult to staff extended hours, and even just keeping the lights on,
the heat running,etc adds significantly to the overhead. Most shops I've
been in usually have only 2-3 customers at a time, so the overhead may be
too high to justify a few extra sales per day.
As for me, I buy most of my "good" charts, fabric and floss at small
shops. I rarely go to Walmart just for xs, but if I'm in there for
something else, sure, I'll look at what they have. Sometimes I'll pick up
a book of cutesy baby stuff to do for gifts, etc. You know, the stuff you
don't find in the better stores as much. And I admit, when Piece Goods
had a sale on floss 6 for $1, I took advantage to finish out my whole DMC
collection. But other than that, I spend a lot more at the specialty
shops.
I do have one interesting note: I was buying all the materials for
Spiritdancer from a shop I used to go to when I lived in Va, and I wanted
the linen very large, to leave a full 3 inches all the way around. They
already had the linen precut, and it would have only left 1.5 inches
around. They wouldn't cut me the piece I wanted! So I mail-ordered it
from the Threaded Needle. I was moving soon after that, but I probably
would not shop there again if I still lived there. What's the big deal
about selling me the size I wanted? (Of course, Michaels and Walmart
wouldn't even know what linen is!)
Karen
DrM...@aol.com
__
/ \
>= (_ _) =<
/ \
/ / \ \\
DrMeow
In article <52cn2s$p...@Holly.aa.net>, je...@aa.net (Jean Clawson) writes:
>And I'm like the other person that said she's not about to pay up to
>50-cents for floss. When I can find it for as cheap as 6/$1.00, I'm
>going to stock up by purchasing it.
I agree with this, but here's a thought: the chains can afford to sell
the floss cheaper because of volume buying. What if we all started buying
our floss from the smaller stores? Maybe they could do enough extra floss
sales to get a better price, and thus lower their prices, too? I know
there will always be people who buy in discount stores, who may never even
see a real needlework store, but these people probably don't buy as much
total volume as most of us do!
Another thought: read back over the boards and see how many times people
have referred to going to Barnes and Noble, or Books a Million or another
huge chain bookstore. (Even BDalton and Waldenbooks are large chains, just
not large individual stores) When is the last time you went into a small,
privately owned bookstore? Not many left, thanks to the chains. Like
many other businesses, the chain phenomenon is taking over. Bigger,
faster, more convenient, etc. If we don't want to lose the small stores
(of any business) we need to patronize them!
Pat & Roger Martel
> hand of it. In Fort Myers FL where I live the closest cross stitch
> shop is 30-40 miles away in Naples. My only choices for charts and
> Amy Pfaff
> rpf...@peganet.com
My mom is leaving for Florida in a couple of weeks. Could you please post
the name of the needlework shop in Naples that you are referring to? It
would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Pat
(happily stitching away in *sunny* Saco, Maine - where the leaves are all
turning yellow, orange and red, a beautiful sight indeed!)
Kimbo
twitch wrote:
>
> What I think I'm trying say at such great length is that there are
> specialty stores and not so specialty stores. I wonder how many of the
> small stores that go out of business are like the ones in Panama City?
> Insulting customers is never good business.
>
I heartily agree. The town I grew up in (which shall remain nameless)
has a very nice, locally owned, cross stitch shop. Lots of charts,
nice fabrics, specialty threads, the works. But the woman who owns
the place, and works there almost all the time, is very snobby. I
always had the impression that I wasn't good enough to be in her
store, since I wasn't part of the upper-crusty society of the city.
So...I stopped going there. Period. If she doesn't think my money
is good enough for her, I'm more than happy to spend it elsewhere.
Kimbo
Lisa M. Balbes
In Article <325039...@cos.siu.edu>, Kimbo <hol...@cos.siu.edu> wrote:
>twitch wrote:
>>....I always had the impression that I wasn't good enough to be in her
>store, since I wasn't part of the upper-crusty society of the city.
>So...I stopped going there. Period. If she doesn't think my money
>is good enough for her, I'm more than happy to spend it elsewhere.
I think I can beat this. There is a store WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE of where
I used to live. I thought I would love it, because they even carry Anchor
floss. Granted, it's mainly a smocking store....
I went in once or twice to buy my mom floss as a gift, even bought a
beginning smocking kit to see if I'd like smocking (with 2 male children I
didn't think I'd have much use for it, but....) Not only was the owner
totally uninterested in helping me, or helping me to learn smocking, the
third time I went in she would not even come out of the back room to wait on
me!!!!! She just sat back there smocking, totally ignoring me! Yes, the
door has a bell so I know she heard me come in. I could see her, and I know
she could see me.
I left, and vowed never to go in again.
I did break down and go in once more - last week when she posted a "Going
out of Business" sign, everything 30-50% off. I bought the $20 wrist ball
holder that I would have bought at full price if she would have waited on
me, and am just delighted.
LIsa
** We don't care, we have each other, on the Internet. (Dave Barry) ***
Lisa M. Balbes, Ph.D. bal...@osiris.rti.org http://www.cris.com/~balbes
Scientific Software Consultant since 1992 *** Needleworker since ~1980
WebMaven for NetSci Resources http://www.awod.com/netsci/resources.html
Jill Spreenberg-Robinson
bal...@osiris.rti.org (Lisa M. Balbes) writes:
<rude-shop-owner-story snipped>
> I did break down and go in once more - last week when she posted a "Going
> out of Business" sign,
Gee, wonder why?
Jill
---------------------
jrsp...@siu.edu
Shaun and Melinda Montgomery
Just as an aside, IMHO it's fairly easy to tell if the floss has been
kidnapped, beaten and then returned to the box or shelf. And frankly, I
dampen my floss anyway, and I'm not willing to pay 50¢ vs 29¢ because a
skein dropped on the floor once or someone else handled it. DH and I
have "hobby" allowances, so fifteen or twenty skeins later, I've saved
enough for another pattern book on sale! Besides, some of my best
afternoons have come from roaming Michael's, JoAnn's or other chain
stores, sneaking up behind orphaned children who have floss in their
sticky little hands and saying "Halt, I'm the Floss Police and you're in
Big Fat Trouble". <VBG>
Okay, so it was only one time and it was DH who had the sticky hands.
(Came in looking for me, wandered back into the xs with our godson and
two ice cream cones. It was then that I understood the looks of panic
and doom from salespeople and patrons.)
Melinda M.
Stella Nemeth
Scotti Fuller <sco...@mtl.mit.edu> wrote:
>mon...@bio.tamu.edu wrote:
>>
>> I think that a small store could help itself greatly by creating a demand.
>> Maybe a small store can't *stock* a tremendous number of kits or unusual
>> patterns, but they can special order. Many already do offer special order.
>>
>> BUT I think it would help if specialty shop owners went beyond that to make a
>> point of making manufacturer's/designers' catalogs available for browsing!
>> That's a basic rule of business--create a demand!
><big snip of great ideas>
>> Just a few thoughts...
>That is one of the most sensible suggestions I have seen on this
>newsgroup - on any topic. You done good.
And just one more additional suggestion. Classes and/or sit and
stitch afternoons and evenings for stitchers to meet each other. Give
people an "excuse" to come into the store, and they will come into the
store and probably buy something as well.
Stella Nemeth
s.ne...@ix.netcom.com
Robert Munck
On Mon, 30 Sep 96 20:28:47 GMT, bal...@osiris.rti.org (Lisa M. Balbes)
wrote:
<snip>
> I bought the $20 wrist ball
>holder that I would have bought at full price if she would have waited on
>me, and am just delighted.
>
What's a wrist ball holder? I can't even think of anything it might
be.
Chris
Steve and Terri
Steve and Terri (ter...@neosoft.com) wrote:
: I do buy things occasionally at WalMart or Michael's -- it's not always
: easy to get to the needlework shops even in Houston, where we have so
: many. Right now, I'm commuting to work three hours a day to work eight,
: so the only time I have to get to a shop when it's open is Saturday, for a
: few short hours. Needlework shops aren't open when I have time to
: shop...
I feel kind of silly following up on my own post, but I've been seriously
frustrated the last few days, trying to find a real needlework shop I
can shop at.
Saturday night, I ran out of Kreinik #4 braid in gold and ran seriously
low on one color of Mill Hill petite beads. Michael's doesn't carry #4
braid (at least at the two that are in range of where I live) and they are
chronically out of half of the petite bead colors. WalMart (and other
discount stores) carry neither, and Hobby Lobby's selection looks a lot
like MIchael's, unfortunately.
That kept me from working on my two current projects (for Christmas)
so I decided to start another, but I've run out of linen! (I can't
believe I've gone through my entire stash! I must be missing some
for some reason.) So I'm pretty much at a standstill -- I had to go
back to the Quiltmaker and work on her for a while, but I really need
to be working on stuff for Christmas, or it will never be done!
While I am having to commute to Galveston, the shop I usually patronize
is three hours from where I work -- with their short hours, there's no
way to get there during the week, and they're closed on Sunday. The
shop by the Galleria is also impossible to get to before they close.
So I decided to try one of the two shops between Galveston and Houston. I
called the one I really wanted to try -- not only do they close at 5:00
every weeknight, they weren't really too concerned that anyone might want
to shop there any other hours. ("We're open on Saturday," she told me.
So much for opening a dialogue.) Even taking off work early (which
requires planning, and leaving the house before 5:30 in the morning!) I
couldn't possibly get there before five! So I tried the other shop --
they were open till five-thirty.
I left work early, and slid into the parking space in front of the store
at 5:25. The person who worked there looked irritated that I had shown up
on the doorstep just before closing, so I went straight for the things I
needed, and checked out. Total amount spent: $45. (Not bad for working
an extra two or three minutes past closing.) I wasn't even the only
customer in the store -- I had to wait to check out behind another woman.
I would have bought two more charts if they'd had them.
I can understand shop owners' difficulties in staying open late hours, and
the desire to get out of the shop on time. But I don't understand why
they can't stay open until six or six-thiry, even, just a couple of times
a week. If there are customers in your store still shopping at closing
time, it ought to indicate some latent demand for what you have to offer.
A lot of the time, I'm lucky -- I can often arrange my own schedule during
the week. But I can't right now, and neither can a lot of people who
stitch. Why is it that stores don't understand that?
I've gotten so spoiled by working with linen and fibers that only the
specialty stores carry that I don't WANT to shop at Michael's for most of
my supplies. But I don't see why I should go out of my way to support
shops that make no attempt to make it easier for me to shop there. If I
have to wait until the next weekend to get supplies, I might as well do
mail order -- it would be faster, and while I can't browse a mail-order
shop as easily, I can't browse in five minutes with a clerk breathing
down my neck, either!
Sorry for the long post -- I've just been so frustrated that I had to
vent a little! I think I'm buying my next L&L at Hobby Lobby.
Terri
--
Steve and Terri Carl
ter...@neosoft.com
AnyaFire
In article <52nvvl$1...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, drm...@aol.com (DrMeow)
writes:
>
>Another thought: read back over the boards and see how many times people
>have referred to going to Barnes and Noble, or Books a Million or another
>huge chain bookstore. (Even BDalton and Waldenbooks are large chains,
just
>not large individual stores) When is the last time you went into a
small,
>privately owned bookstore? Not many left, thanks to the chains. Like
>many other businesses, the chain phenomenon is taking over. Bigger,
>faster, more convenient, etc. If we don't want to lose the small stores
>(of any business) we need to patronize them!
>
>
I couldn't agree more. Barnes & Noble superstores are ubiquitous in NYC
now, and have driven some of my favorite booksellers out of business. I
don't shop there if I can avoid it -- and for me to avoid any bookstore
was hitherto unheard of. B&N, Borders, and their ilk ought not to be
encouraged, IMHO. Give me Shakespeare Books, Coliseum Books and Forbidden
Planet any day.
I'm speaking very largely here, mostly because I take bookstores very
personally. I don't know about the Michael's, Treasure Islands and Ben
Franklin's of the world, probably because I don't keep a car, do all my
shopping in NYC and haven't been to the discount stores. As far as I
know, specialty stores are all we have in NYC. (If I'm mistaken, I defer
to those with more experience than I.) For me to hear about DMC on sale
at 4, 5 or 6 skeins for a dollar is a real eye-opener!
9/30/96
Ann-Marie
-*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- -*-
"I have been wrong before, and I will be wrong again.
Infallibility would be boring."
Mike Ryan
I prefer to shop at the specialty shops. But I live at least 50km (30
miles) from the nearest one. So sometimes I stop at the local Lewiscraft
of Michaels if it is on my way somewhere. Often when I do stop at the
discount place, it is to restock specific floss for a piece I am working
on, and running out of. Lately, Michaels, Lewiscraft and White Rose have
been low on basic supplies, so off to Toronto or Barrie I
trek........should have just gone to the specialty shop in the first
place!
Pat in Newmarket (half way between Toronto and Barrie)
Laurie or David Graham
Ah, but you see, you *knew* that those bookstores were there. I, on the
other hand, never knew that there were bookstores outside of the mall
until I went away to college and found a funky little hole in the wall
used bookstore in the basement of another store. My point being: I
can't frequent a specialty shop if I don't know it exists.
Ok, take here in Pittsburgh. There are a couple of great needlework
stores here in town, that I've heard of on the newsgroup. Of the 5 I've
heard mentioned do you know how many are listed in the Yellow Pages?
Only 2. One *does* have a display ad, but it's got a picture of a paint
brush and palette in the ad and doesn't say anything about needlework.
Being new to cross stitch/needlepoint, and w/o a recommendation do you
think I'll drive the 30 mins out there to check it out? No! I would
think it was an art supply store! The truly local shop, that's right
down the street from me doesn't even have a listing! So tell me, if I
don't know anyone else who stitches how would I find these stores? If it
weren't for this ng I still wouldn't know that this shop was there. Is
it really that expensive to get a listing in the Yellow Pages?
Laurie
Lula
Laurie or David Graham wrote:
> If it
> weren't for this ng I still wouldn't know that this shop was there. Is
> it really that expensive to get a listing in the Yellow Pages?
>
> Laurie
Yes it is expensive to get a display ad yellow pages listing for a small
shop-- but since it is a business I am surprised they don't even have a
small yellow pages listing just for a name and phone #--should come with
the business phone service like I have.
I think it depends on the local phone company and what yellow pages you
are advertising in too--very confusing with so many companies--I get
called by different companies all the time trying to sell me ad space.
Lula from Wooly Dreams Design
Cynthia
I know of two great shops on the north side of Houston. One is in Old
Town Spring and the other is in The Woodlands. Both are open on
Saturdays. The lady that runs the one in The Woodlands is a hoot.
E-mail me if you need directions at cynp...@worldnet.att.net.
Cynthia
MonaLassy
I am in two minds with this! I used to think these small store owners were
really stuck up, and disinterested. Now, reading some of the posts, I
think, back in those days, I perhaps felt a bit inadequet, just learning,
and what I felt, when they were watching me shop at the time, to be
scrutiny, perhaps, was a willing to share.
Mona
KPaules531
In article <32509115....@news.interramp.com>, pp00...@interramp.com
(Robert Munck) writes:
>What's a wrist ball holder? I can't even think of anything it might
>be.
>
>Chris
>
>
Hi Chris -
I wouldn't have know either except I saw some at a local antiques show and
asked what they were used for. You put a rod thru your ball of pearl
cotton and it has a "bangle" you can then wear around your wrist. This
keeps your ball from rolling all over the floor, getting batted around by
the cat and picking up every single cat hair that your vacuum cleaner
missed. And if you're like me, you gace up vacuuming so you'd have more
time to stitch. ;-)
"Life is a play. Tis not it's length but it's performance that counts!"
Seneca
JoAnn
<jame...@juno.com>
GeoBlum
However, making manufacturer's/designers catalogs available for browsing
as my shop does is extremely dangerous to your credit card balance. I
asked to special order a design and the nasty shop owner showed me the
picture in the catalog, and then said "Oh, did you see these other designs
by the same designer, and these other designs on the same subject?" So of
course, you have to be polite and look, and since the catalog has about 20
designs per page, you see all those other designs as well. Well, I need to
have 552 USO's for retirement, or I may run out of things do. (Yeah,
right). :-)
George
>mon...@bio.tamu.edu wrote:
>>
>> I think that a small store could help itself greatly by creating a
demand.
>> Maybe a small store can't *stock* a tremendous number of kits or
unusual
>> patterns, but they can special order. Many already do offer special
order.
>> BUT I think it would help if specialty shop owners went beyond that to
make
>> a point of making manufacturer's/designers' catalogs available for
browsing!
"No harm will befall you, No desease shall touch your tent,
For He will order His angels to guard you wherever you go.
They will carry you in their hands lest you stumble on a rock...."
Ninety-first Psalm
Don Schooner
Stella Nemeth wrote:
[snip]....
> And just one more additional suggestion. Classes and/or sit and
> stitch afternoons and evenings for stitchers to meet each other. Give
> people an "excuse" to come into the store, and they will come into the
> store and probably buy something as well.
>
> Stella Nemeth
> s.ne...@ix.netcom.com
Our local craft shop is holding a "pajama party" where you choose three
designs from a selection, work on them through the evening hours, and
then (at 11 or midnight) you can shop and get 20% off!
I thought that this was a fun idea. The class can pay for itself!
--S.
Karol Yoder
after reading Terri's post on shop hours I had an idea for any of you who
are store owners, or something to suggest to the owners of your "local"
If they can't be open later one night a week, would someone be willing to
be there "by appointment"?? This worked at the tailor shop I used to
work at. We were open 10am-6pm, but would open as early as 8, or someone
would stay until 8pm, if we knew a customer had planned to come in. But
please remember, if they will do it KEEP THE APPOINTMENT!! Nothing was
more frustrating than making arrangements to stay late (getting someone
to watch kids, etc) and then not have the person show up.
Just a thought. Happy Stitching!
Karol
--
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
X Karol Yoder, seamstress, career X yod...@pcisys.net X
X woman, cook, house keeper, wife, X X
X mother, construction worker... X www.pcisys.net/~yoderjl X
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Steve and Terri
Cynthia (CYNP...@worldnet.att.net) wrote:
: I know of two great shops on the north side of Houston. One is in Old
: Saturdays. The lady that runs the one in The Woodlands is a hoot.
: E-mail me if you need directions at cynp...@worldnet.att.net.
I've been to the shop in Spring, and like it a lot. But it's still
three hours' distance from where I work! I usually shop at Idle Hands
(out by Willowbrook Mall) but right now that's not an option except on
Saturdays. (Which means I'm right back where I started: if I run out
of supplies on Sunday, I have to wait for a week to get what I need.)
Perhaps I'm expecting too much -- maybe I should just accept the fact that
needlework shops in Houston don't particularly care about getting the
business of working women, and plan to shop on Saturdays, accordingly.
(After all, women who work outside the home don't have any time to do
things like stitch, do they?) Discount stores have at least figured out
that people can't always shop when it's convenient for the shop owner...
It probably doesn't mean I'll switch to buying at discount stores (or
Michael's -- I'm not sure it qualifies as a discount store!) -- after
all, they don't carry what I want to buy. But mail order is sure looking
more and more attractive...
Angela C. Lukach
Mike Ryan (mr...@times.net) writes:
> I prefer to shop at the specialty shops. But I live at least 50km (30
> miles) from the nearest one. So sometimes I stop at the local Lewiscraft
> or Michaels if it is on my way somewhere.
i popped into Lewiscraft in the Rideau Centre yesterday to pick up some
opalescent white blending filament for a xmas project and was shocked to
see that DMC cost $0.54 a skein in cdn dollars!
i was *sure* the Lewiscraft i went to in downtown Toronto sold it for
$0.39 a skein.
has Lewiscraft just raised their prices, rather steeply, or is it the
different cities, different stores thing?
angie
Cheryl Wheeler
In article <52tunq$m...@freenet-news.carleton.ca>, ag...@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Angela C. Lukach)
writes:
|> i popped into Lewiscraft in the Rideau Centre yesterday to pick up some
|> opalescent white blending filament for a xmas project and was shocked to
|> see that DMC cost $0.54 a skein in cdn dollars!
|>
|> i was *sure* the Lewiscraft i went to in downtown Toronto sold it for
|> $0.39 a skein.
|>
|> has Lewiscraft just raised their prices, rather steeply, or is it the
|> different cities, different stores thing?
I haven't been to the Lewiscraft in the Rideau Center, but last time I
checked at Merivale Mall, it was ~$0.45, sometimes on sale for $0.39. So
maybe it's some of both.
If price is an object, Michael's and White Rose normally have DMC
for $0.33, and better if you can wait for a sale. Not, of course, that
I would *ever* advise buying stitching supplies at a chain store... :)
-- Cheryl