On the surface, Joann’s Craft Stores may appear to be just like any other chain craft store. Most of the major chains offer the same types of services, including floral design and framing and a wide variety of products. However, Joann’s Craft Stores employees, educational programs, and sheer volume of merchandise available enable Joann’s to stand out from its craft store peers.
The employees at Joann’s Craft Stores are the most helpful craft store employees around. Employees in different areas of the store seem very comfortable in their department’s specialty. Not only are they knowledgeable, but Joann’s employee’s are also friendly and helpful. Rarely will a customer shop at Joann’s without having at least one staff member show interest in the customer’s project or, at least, ask if the customer needs any help or suggestions. For customers who might be shy about asking for advice, Joann’s employees’ willingness to approach the customer makes getting help for a project almost effortless.
Joann’s Craft Stores also offer an extensive schedule of classes known as Joann’s Creative University. The classes offered range from classes suiting beginner crafters to classes that are certain to challenge even the most advanced crafter. Class subjects include sewing, cake decorating, knitting, beading, as well as several other subjects. Participants in Creative University classes receive a supply list and a coupon good for a 10% reduction in supply materials purchased at Joann’s. As an added benefit, participants who register at during Class Preview Days at the store or during Early Bird Registration Week can expect to receive a 25% discount on some Creative University classes as well as a coupon good for a 20% reduction in supply materials purchased at Joann’s. Details and currently offered class curriculums are available online at www.joann.com.
Aside from the Creative University classes, Joann’s offers several other opportunities for crafters to share their fun with other crafters. Young crafters (and their parents) will enjoy Creative Kids Events on the third Saturday of each month. Although advanced registration is required, these events and the necessary supplies are free for participants. Accompanied by their parents, young crafters will be guided by Joann’s instructors in seasonally themed projects that are sure to ignite their creative spark.
Groups of young crafters have other opportunities to get creative, as well. Parents of children aged five years old and older can choose Joann’s as the site of their child’s birthday party. Joann’s also offers scouting projects for scout groups working towards a merit badge, or just hoping to enjoy a fun group event. Instructors can even teach a class designed specifically to meet a special group’s needs. Group leaders will just need to speak with a participating store’s Education Coordinator to plan and schedule the class.
One final reason Joann’s Craft Stores outshine all of their competitors, is their vast product offering. Because Joann’s Craft Stores carry supplies for so many different types of crafting, Joann’s has become a sort of “one stop shopping center” for crafters. Although the depth of selection varies in some departments, crafters shopping at Joann’s Craft Stores can be certain that they will find something for their favorite craft. Joann’s Craft Stores offer supplies for all types of needlework, sewing, painting, scrapbooking, jewelry creation, floral arranging, seasonal crafts, and even some woodworking. Joann’s has it all.
Crafters often scour their local areas for a store that will fit all of their crafting needs. Chain stores often offer great prices, but little customer service. Smaller boutique shops offer outstanding customer service, but a limited range of products and higher prices. However, crafters who live near a Joann’s Craft Store will find their wishes granted.
