Unfortunately HF does play the sale game. It always amazes me fabrics that are not marked on sale show up for 20-30% off so you can't use the 40% on them unless you insist and the manager overrides the pricing (40% off original not sale). And they've marked up their fabric to cover the 20-30% spread. ARGH!
I bought some material the last time I was there....brand not on sale. All the sudden I get told that it is on sale because all the "baby fabric" is on sale.
I find Joanns to be much better than HF. Either something is on sale or it isn't. I rarely have a hard time finding something at J's to use a coupon on....