we do have a Joannes, about 14 miles away...it is fairly new, we used to have an old, little one about 10 miles away, when they started construction on the new big one it was sooooo exciting! they have been open for i guess about 2 years now...and i only go there if i absolutely have to...I HATE THE NEW STORE!!! :(
we thought it would be great, classes available and more room (the old one was very 'cram-packed' impossible to push a cart around) but they did not put in any class room space, no demo area...nothing like that, it does have room between the isles to get a cart but that's about the only good thing about the place. They stack cinnimon spiced pinecones in the entrance area that are so potent it makes your eyes water just trying to get into the store, the help is ......... well, lets say, not so helpful... and they about doubled most of their prices (guess they have to pay for the place) so if there is something i absolutely have to have and can not find it anywhere else i go there begrudgingly, but have found most needs on line and have managed to only go there about every 2-3 months...if i have to...i would rather go the the dentist for an extraction than visit our Joannes.