GailG

I walked by the notions/sewing aisle at Walmart this afternoon and saw that there were associates all over the place rearranging the shelves. One lady told me good afternoon, so I commented that it looked like they were being kept busy today. She said, "Oh, yes. We're getting ready for fabric." I asked, "Do you mean fabric on bolts" And she replied, "Yes, Ma'am!"

Yikes, I feel for the nice LQS whose owner opened a shop just to help out the locals when Hancock closed their doors and Walmart discontinued fabric. This woman still has fairly good prices but it's obvious that prices are going up by the day.

SouthPStitches

Sometimes competition can be healthy. For the most part, it is doubtful that WalMart will carry the same high quality cotton a LQS will but it must be more and more difficult for a small shop to stay in business against any big box store. If given a choice and the LQS's prices are within reason, IMHO most quilters will recognize the importance of supporting the LQS and will continue to do so.

GailG

I agree with you, SPS. And the LQS offers classes with discounts, "quilters' quality" threads, and others supplies for quilters as well as other "needle and thread" hobbies.

meyert

I think it will depend on how that Walmart handles that fabric department. I have seen huge differences in fabric departments from WalMart to WalMart. There are 3 WalMarts that I live reasonably close to. Each of these have a fabric department, but they are each very different. WalMart #1 is a mess... the area is not very big, and its very disorganized. I didn't even enjoy looking at the fabric, it was a mess. WalMart #2 is organized but not very big, the selection is very limited and they even seem to keep getting the same fabrics in there that they have always had. (I purchased some fabric there 3 years ago and they have that very same fabric there now... is it a slow mover or a good seller they want to restock?? I don't know, but I've been there I've done that .. don't want to do it again.) I won't even go back to WalMart #1 fabric department, WalMart #2 fabric department I still can pick up some things (thread, basting spray, scissors, batting). Now WalMart #3 has a much bigger selection and it is very organized. I enjoy going to that one. But you still have to ring a bell and wait for the guy from the gun counter to come over and cut your fabric... and he has no idea if you have any questions. I don't think the fabric department in a WalMart is a true competitor to a Local Quilt Shop... but then it will depend on the shoppers. The fabric at WalMart will be cheaper, but the quality will not be the same. If I am making a quilt for a loved one I want to use fabric I know that will last.. and not so sure about the WalMart fabric, SOME of it (I can't say all of it because I don't know that) is thin and I would be concerned about how it would hold up

Boston1954

My sister and I make a point of going to the two LQS that we have left. Last time I was at one, the owner commented that I had not spent much. ($30.00) Sorry, but that is more than my husband makes in 3 hours. I would love to be able to spend 4 or 5 times that much, but I try to spread it around.

NikkiLu

There is a WalMart about 30 miles from me and they have NEVER had a fabric department - so imagine my surprise (like yours) when I walked in there and they were also stocking bolts of fabric!!! At that same moment, a woman also saw what was going on and started shrieking "WalMart is having fabric"!!!!!

GailG

Ironically, when I first began "quilting" (whole cloth and tied with yarn), I bought Walmart fabric. I guess I just chose the better quality fabric. That was probably 19 years ago. Those quilts are still being used today by grandchildren and great grands, nieces and nephews (and washed often). Of course, they are faded. The Walmart batting is still holding up. With the heat down here, I only use the traditional punched batting.

lynnie

Our Walmart has fabs, but not the same quality as LQS. Maybe she will carry more fabs if she doesn't have to carry as many inter facings, bonds and battings and vinyl. Wally will carry that. Our walmart has slim pickins' in the way of fabrics. then again it's right next door to JA's.

On another note, who is the store owner to tell us we didn't spend enough. that would turn me sour on that store.

luce321

Our Walmart brought back their fab department back in March. They have a nice sewing dept. with all types of notions. However, I don't care for most of the fabric, too thin.

oldtnquiltinglady

We have three Walmarts in driving distance of my home, and I am like myert above--one is good, one is mediocre, and the other just barely OK because you can NEVER find someone knowledgeable to help you with a problem. And that is all three of them. I guess Walmart's pitiful step-child is their fabric department. But, to be truthful, I find the same thing at Jo Ann Fabrics. They have fewer and fewer floor people every time I go in there. We don't have a nearby LQS, so I don't go there very often--and with a comment like the $30 one above, probably would not darken their door again.