Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

This store truly needs an employee makeover. How does management not see how poorly run it is? Asking for help is a joke since it seems that the staff has better things to do than work with the customer. I will not be returning and will advise my friends to do the same.

This place seemed fine enough. I didn’t feel it was unorganized or anything. It was a very clean and tidy store. I am giving a 3 star review for a few reasons:
1. The store name was totally blocked by large trees. It was entirely impossible to see from the street and they didn’t have a sign up in front of the plaza. For all I knew they went out of business. These trees desperately need to be trimmed back. I don’t know if that’s something they are in charge of or not, but it was definitely noticeable.
2. Very few associates seemed to know their stuff. Most gave me a blank stare when I asked questions and just didn’t really seem like employees. I felt it would have been just as productive to ask a fellow customer where certain items were. The manager was very helpful though and walked me to the correct aisle.
3. In general, there didn’t seem to be anyone working. One employee at the cutting counter, one on registers and the manager counting down registers at 7 pm. It just seemed a little odd.

Unfriendly employees. Lines are long and they usually only have 1 person at the cashier. Prefer Michaels of JoAnne any day.

I called to get some info on one of their products. I called the first time and no answer. Then I called the second time and as soon as somebody picked up I was told I had to hold… ok no problem. I was on hold for exactly 10 min until I decided to hang up. I called back and a lady picked up, I explained the situation that I was in with the phone call (uncalled for a customer to wait 10 on a phone). She responded «it was not me, what do you want?» Me: «I want the respect that a customer deserves.» I ended up shopping at Michaels.

Unfortunately I am new to the area and this the only fabric store that I know of that has most of my crafting needs under one roof. (big sigh).
Employees always seem annoyed when you ask them for help. It’s probably because they are being interrupted from their gossiping.
Last time I was there (around the holidays) it seems like there was a new employee there and the other employees were bothered by her asking «how to questions».
I try to avoid this place and will commute to Michaels for all other crafting projects unfortunately this is my only good enough option when it comes to textiles.

One can locate items here that may not be available elsewhere, especially items relating to sewing, knitting & scrapbooks. Large section for artists of various types, seasonal décor, and each section usually has children’s beginner kits.
Short Version: Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here!
This is the place to go for hard-​to-​find items. On the other hand, some categories are lacking common items. Products are just organized enough to provide hope, but not organized enough to provide reason. No other reason to go here unless you want to witness a business spiraling down, or are into ’50 Shades of Gray Flannel’.
BIBLICAL VERSION:
*CONS*:
–Identical items are scattered about various sections, in a weird way. Candles in the front, candles by upholstery fabric, candles in each section for its designated purpose (wedding candles, tea lights, your every-​day pentagram needs).
–Items are not necessarily located in a manner that makes any sense. Art supplies seem to be ok, but sewing & craft items have a secret code that Tom Hanks is still exploring. Sure it makes sense to have scissors in multiple areas, but to put clothing elastic far away from ribbons or other trim?
-/+:Wide variety of specialized craft tools, but you will have to have the patience of Job to find what you seek. There are probably at least 30 types of glue, but only one specific product to attach to slipper socks to prevent sliding.
–Staff are hard to locate, and are usually surrounded by 2 or 3 customers waiting to ask a question. I feel sorry for any employee on the way to the bathroom and in a hurry.
–Employee competence & helpfulness vary widely. I have several times been directed to the wrong section of the store for an item, or told the store carries an item which it does not. Every employee is either busting her butt working the jobs of 3 people, feebly surviving a customer onslaught, or standing around chatting whilst waiting for their UFO pickup. Some of the employees are young, clueless, but at least willing. Some are cranky old women whose corsets are too tight.
–I have rarely been in here when there were few customers and each customer had time if desired to consult with an employee on a project.
–Most of the décor items are total crap that is available at any Dollar General at a fair price. $ 50 for a 4 foot metal Shepard’s Crook for a hanging plant? Other sizes for $ 30 or $ 15? Of course, they were ’30% off’, but still too high for a reasonable person.
–No one answers the phone. I have been in the store and needed help so desperately that I have used my cellphone to call the store number. Useless.
–The fabric counter is like a local version of «The Hunger Games». Prepare to become tribute to some nasty people (not all of whom are customers). Bring a book, you probably have time to read the trilogy whilst you’re waiting.
–The store is enormous. By the time customers reach the front, they are often hot, tired, sweaty & frustrated. And then out of 6 stations, only one cashier is actually on the register. And it’s her first day. And she doesn’t speak English. And she has clawed hands so must type with her feet. And has low blood sugar because she’s been at the cash register for 10 hours with no break.
*PROS*
— military discount.
–Decent to good deal in clearance items. Each section has a small clearance section for its specific niche, and then there is half an aisle in the back for a mishmash of items from any category (by colored posterboard & glues). That means two places to look if you want X item on a real sale, which can be a pro or con depending on your preference.
— Huge selection of items for the beginner hobbyist in just about anything.
— Sewing machine vendors are in-​store with a wide variety of machines, and are much more helpful than store employees (although they will only discuss their products, and are probably on commission– totally fair).
–The store is enormous. Will count as your exercise for the day.
–Store is well-​lit.
–Some items are of another era and time. I guess people buy them, or they wouldn’t be stocked, but who uses gigantic shoulder pads these days? Increases historical interest whilst shopping.
–If you come during an off time, you can get assistance and have a tolerable shopping experience. That’s usually first thing in the morning, or after 7PM. People’s children and retirees are getting ready for bed and not out shopping.

I agree with the previous reviewer who wrote hers a year and a half ago. And this have obviously NOT changed!!! I have been to the Vero beach Joann’s a couple times and never had ANY issues. But they are a very small store. Mostly just sewing stuff so I was pretty excited to see how big this one was when I went.
First off, the bathrooms… I’d rather use a gas station bathroom. I MIGHT be cleaner than those. I was slightly horrified. And the smell? I’m not sure what it was? Sewer with rotting meat? I should have left right then!
Second, looooooong line to have fabric cut. ONE lady is actually cutting fabric while the other one stands there and talks to a customer she knows for almost 15 mins before cutting any of HER fabric. Other Woman talking couldn’t care any less that the line was now 6 people deep not including myself and the other lady just cut 2 people in front’s fabric.
Third: Super over inflated prices then marked down at either 40 or 50% off. Call it the bargain shopper in me but when I pick up an item that I love and see the price at $ 69.99. I’m shocked. Ok it’s «on sale»… So the price is $ 35. The problem is, I can’t even see paying $ 35 for it without being on sale. But NOT $ 35 ON SALE! No way! NOT giving into your marketing ploys.
Fourth: the people who work there are so not customer friendly. And genuinely seemed annoyed when you want to check out. I stood in line for a good 10 mins with no one in front of us while two employees pretended to be SUPER busy while gossiping about another employee.
Fifth: when I asked to see a manager about how crappy my visit was, I was shocked to find the «manager» aka shift supervisor (?) was one of the employees just at the front gossiping! And as the cashier is handing me my change she shouted in my face that she could take the next person.
There’s too many stores out there who WANT your business. Joann’s? Obviously doesn’t care.