Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft

I’ve only been in here twice. Once was to get some buttons for my guayabera shirts a few year back, and most recently I popped in to grab some pirate gear flair fr Gasparilla. Both visits were fruitful, and I was able to get everything I needed. Lots of buttons to choose from and tons of accessories to spruce up pirate outfits.
The staff could use some seasoning though. Last time I was there, the clerk wanted me to walk back thru the store to find where an item was because it didn’t have a price. I honestly didn’t remember where it came from, so she slowly walked off to go find it and never came back, so I just left.

First want to give a shout out to the younger girl at the fabric counter who was a HUGE help!!!
There really aren’t any great fabric stores in the south Tampa or carrollwood area so we always come over here to Jo Ann’s. They have an awesome selection. We came in for Halloween fabric and there were so many to choose from!
The restrooms were pretty gross, not sure if they’re always like that, but I couldn’t hold it. Anyways thanks to all the nice employees for always being helpful and knowledgeable!

I love this store because it gets my creative juices flowing, but they need more people at the registers. On this trip, I was trying to buy a gift card, but had to leave empty handed after 15 minutes in line because I had a meeting to go to. Very frustrating…

If you are looking for something arts and crafts-​y, Jo-Ann’s probably carries it. The store is huge, with aisle upon aisle of merchandise. Prices are very reasonable, and in addition to having weekly 40% off sales, they always have coupons that you can download from their webpage. Ready-​made frames are available for purchase, but they also provide custom framing.
The big trick at Jo-Ann’s is trying to figure out exactly where the item you’re looking for is actually located. Every time I go I just wander up and down the aisles where I think what I’m looking for *should* be — but it rarely is. In most stores, you would just ask a nearby sales associates. Good luck with that here — if you happen to find one, they are very helpful and take you to where you need to go, but unfortunately, actually finding a floor associate happens about once every ten visits.
Finally, there are never enough cashiers open for check out, so the line usually runs about 10 – 15 people long. It’s definitely my go-​to store for whatever project I’m working on, it’s just never easy.

The wait to get fabric cut is painfully long. They helped 2 people in 15 minutes. Were busy putting fabric away instead of cutting fabric for people waiting in line. Don’t go to this one unless you have a lot of time.

This is one of the better stores for selection. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. I give them stars for that but the store has one glaring problem though. It is filthy.
You don’t even want to think about using the facilities. It is sad because this is a reflection of the respect corporate gives their staff. Not much. Clean it up JoAnn! Paint the walls. Clean the floor. Make people happy to come there.

I have a Love/​Hate relationship with this store.
Yes, weekly I get sucked in with the coupons that arrive in my Sunday paper, and yes, once I’m inside, I usually buy more than I came for. But for the love of God, put more people on the registers.
Every time I’m shopping, there is a long line to check out and everyone who is in line is annoyed by this. I’ve even found myself leaving because I didn’t want to stand in the dreadful line.

This is another place my wife drags me into by the scruff of the neck, kicking and screaming.
«Can I go to Sports Authority?»
«No.»
About the only good thing I get to do is check in with Unilocal.:)
Actually, this store is very nice. I am not the creative type but I do spend quite some time in their frames section. I’ve had a couple of very important items custom framed, and they’ve done an outstanding job. They also have great deals on framed art and very cheap and nice empty frames. I am a fan of their frames department.
«Can we go to Best Buy now?»

For the creative types