JoAnn Fabrics
 

Drove 40 miles to go to a JoAnn Fabrics to get backing, batting, etc. and was saddened that you could not go in the store. Have to go online to order and pick up outside the store. I find it hard to buy fabric online as I need to feel the fabric for quality. I'm sure if you did it that way and had a cut of fabric and weren't satisfied with it, you wouldn't be able to return it as it is already cut. Another Covid virus attack on us.

The different stores as well as the different states are doing things differently.

The smaller Joann just a mile or so from me remained open as an essential business this entire time, the requirements/restrictions to enter have varied. The larger store at the shopping mall was closed to customers and was for outdoor pick-up only.

While it is an inconvenience to us as the buying public, the sales clerks also need the protection from interacting with many people over the day (not just "us"), even if they have some degree of protection -- separation is the best form of prevention we currenty have.

Interesting! There are three Joanns that I frequent and unless something changed with new guidelines here in MN, they were open last week. I usually can't buy fabric online. I need to be touchy-feely.

My JAs on Monday limited # of shoppers to 25. first time in a long time I saw a lot of associates working restocking inventory. Who know what it will be like tomorrow.

Dropped in to Joanns today, picked up some red for a backing and a batting...enjoyed the visit, no llne at the cutting table..and nice percentage off..been a while since I had been in...had come gift cards...that was nice also..

That stinks that you had driven so far...I'm guessing a lot of 'in person' options are shifting on a daily/weekly basis right now, it's a tough season. It's probably good practice to call ahead at this point to be sure. Since we haven't really shopped "in store" for some time, I usually just try to buy the brands/lines that I know. Yeah, not as much fun, I *love* picking over new fabric in person, but I remind myself it's just for now. Now will pass.

My understanding is that JAF has always allowed you to return fabric that has been cut, as long as you haven't washed it.

I buy fabric online all the time. Sticking to major brands that I know, I'm never disappointed with the quality.

The JAS in my county allows shoppers in store. My Daughter bought lots of items. She always has to watch the prices like a hawk. They don't give her sale prices until she points it out to them. I don't buy anything there because of that.

In NYS, our restrictions were early on. Numbers are climbing a lot with winter weather coming; hopefully we can avoid everything being closed again. Time will tell.

I don't buy fabric at Joann's, but did have a couple of curbside pickup orders for other things. It worked out pretty well.

I have been to the Joanns in Prescott AZ. and I wear a mask. Only a few people in the store.

Ditto.... also, I’ve had some shops offer to audition my fabrics for me if I can provide enough info for them to help. I know the brands well so I never worry about quality (I don’t buy fabric at Joann’s)...it’s the color I worry about..

I have ordered from JoAnn multiple times since Covid hit us. Good delivery time and return policy. As Dunster said, I order what I have used previously so I know the quality. I am sorry that you drove so far to discover the store was closed. I have gotten in the habit of checking with most shops on line before I make a drive because state guidelines keep shifting with the health of our population. My JA has curbside and when I need something quickly I use that service. It is usually available for me to pick up in less than an hour. Works for me!

Enjoyed hearing from other Minnesota quilters. I do shop Joann's watch and touchy-feely on fabric. When shopping Joann's it's at St Cloud and sometimes Willmar and not very often Hutchinson.
We might need a central Minnesota gathering, once things get back to normal!!

Many stores including Walmart are going back to the Covid policy they had. Many states have shut down restaurants, bars, schools and churches. It seems to vary by state and some states have different rules for each county. I've gotten into the habit of calling a store to verify their hours. I've looked on line for store hours and found that the websites are not updated. JoAnn's will allow you to return fabric purchased online or in store as long as it hasn't been washed.

My JA is open, but I don't shop there unless I need something today! Earlier this year, I placed an online order for over 40 spools of thread in lots of colors. The order trickled into my house, a few spools at a time. I still don't know if I got what I paid for. It was too difficult/time consuming to check my order. Plus I didn't like the quality of the fabric that I did order from there. I usually buy fabric online. Most fabric I order is around $12/yard, so it is a major decision when I buy, but the quality is great. I am very picky about fabric because quilts are an investment.

I need thread to finish a project but I am afraid to go to Joanns, or anywhere, right now. Waiting for their cheap shipping to order.

I have purchased "good" and "not so good" fabric and notions at JoAnn's and Walmart.

I also have purchased "good" and "not so good" fabric and notions at quilt fabric shops.

I have decided that the "fault" of the unhappy/regretted purchase is mine - not the seller.

Mostly due to inexperience.

For now the JAF's around here are still open but I don't know for how much longer. Fortunately I don't have to touch to know the quality of the fabric retailers I frequent online. I have ordered once months ago to get an outdoor pickup and it was convenient to have the item bought to the car. That way I was only in short contact with a person with a mask and gloves. I had her just put it in the passenger window. I am sorry you drove 40 miles. That is something I don't do. But I don't do a lot of driving.