Originally Posted by
dunster
I would love to have a JoAnn's in the area where I usually shop. There is one in a town nearby, just not very convenient for me. JoAnn's stores can differ greatly from one town to another in cleanliness, friendliness, and even in product. The same can be true of any store, including Walmart. I think a lot depends on the on-site management. The fact that your JoAnn's will be new probably means that it will be well organized, well stocked, and clean, with a new staff that is excited about opening a new store. How exciting!
I see it the same way as Dunster. The newer JoAnns in Warrenton, OR is smaller than some I've been in, but I have had excellent service from this one. In the other direction from my home is a WalMart in the Chehalis/Centralia, WA area, where a gentleman in the fabric section was informative, entertaining, and knowledgeable. In both stores, I have made large purchases of fabric that I compare favorably with fabric at a quilt shop closer to me that isn't as well stocked or reasonably priced. That said, none of the shops are close to me, a visit to one taking up most of a day. If you are a savvy shopper, you find what you need and/or want.
I try to avoid or keep time in store short when I visit a JoAnn's store near Christmas because of the choking scent of candles and potpourri, reminds me of the scent of fly and mosquito spray when I was a child in LA.