Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Nasty manager lost a sale for today or future after refusing to even WALK to the sewing machine department with me. I understand if the department was «closed» today to purchase but regardless if I can purchase a machine on the website (I can) then the manager should have known to at least keep her cool and to be polite for a future customer sale. I would assume the purchase still counts for their store stats. They lost a $ 200 sale today. Even if I was to return tomorrow I wouldn’t when they would «allow» me to purchase it. Poor customer service is a huge issue at this location. I’m happily driving to purchase at another local store following this review. HUGE mistake. They also lost on all the fabric and items I needed for the project.

Joann’s customer service, both in-​store and online, is horrible. I spend a lot of time and money in Joann stores. Once in a while, I will have to return an item I didn’t end up needing. Recently, I’ve lost over $ 120 due to their improper refund processing. I’ve spoken to 8+ employees and not one has helped or offered a solution. The bottom line has pretty much been «too bad.» And then they hang up or walk away.
Be careful if you shop in store or online and then need to make a return.
Making a return in store? This is where the fun begins! First, you have to find an employee who can actually process a return (they are all trained, but some just don’t want to be bothered). If it’s fabric you’re returning, you have to get it remeasured. This will take a VERY long time while you wait in the cutting line, wait for 3 employees to confer over the measurements, and then finally get approval from someone with the proper credentials to authorize a fabric return… Honestly, I would never recommend returning fabric. Donate it, make pillow cases, make a funny hat for your dog, but avoid fabric returns at any Joann’s at all costs. Oy.
So you’ve found a competent employee, and are now allowed to return the items you paid for? Great! Now hopefully, you paid with cash. Because if you paid with any other method… Well, you have a chance of not actually getting your money back!
This is what happened to me. I’ve tried calling and visiting the store to inquire about the return; I’ve called the service hotline and spoken to 4 different reps. They have done nothing and 2 have been rude. At no point has anyone apologized for the issue (I am out more than $ 120) or the inconvenience.

Everything you need for diy projects. I was surprised to see 50% off Christmas things before the holiday saved me some money. Even the fabric was 50% off.

This Jo-​Ann store is in a strip mall off Route 273. Parking is abundant and the parking lot was mostly empty when I visited this store. The only reason I went to Jo-​Ann is because they carry two items, nylon straps and parachute buckles, that the other craft stores, e.g. Michael’s and AC Moore, do not carry. Although Jo-​Ann carries some non-​sewing crafting supplies, they specialize in sewing and fabrics, while other craft stores are more general. The downside is Jo-​Ann doesn’t have newspaper coupons every week, while the others do.
The store seems well-​organized but I have some memory of item groupings from past visits to other Jo-​Ann stores so your experience may vary. Service was okay, although you may have to wait a while at the cutting table if you need a cut of fabric. As for pricing, it varies. Some items seem more expensive than they should be while other items are okay.
The upshot? If you’re seriously into sewing, there may not be any alternative to Jo-​Ann. For general crafts, you could also look to Michael’s or AC Moore.