If I were to pick between the personnel at Hancocks or Joanne's in my area, Hancocks would win hands down. I go to my LQS (when I have to, they have really bad taste, too many Civil War fabrics for me), my not so close LQS whom I love, Hancocks, Joanne's... I'm an equal opportunity shopper. I think you're going to find good and bad in any store (although fat quarters are definitely better at my not so close LQS).