go to Hancock Fabrics every again :evil: :evil: Went today, for the 2nd time since they remodled the store. #1 - they do not keep their "licensed" fabric inventory stocked well any more and #2 they have only 2 ladies working in that big store. AND on top of that - - the 2 ladies that are working cannot distinguish their head from a hole in the ground. (Just so you know - I cleaned that one up :!: :!: ) Nor can they do 2 things at once - such as cut fabric and talk at the same time. WOW - I think my 10 year old DD could work there - no problem.

Also I'm not going to the fabric department at my local Hobby Lobby as long as the "rude lady", as my 13 year old DS calls her, is still employed there.

On a brighter note - - went to Ben Franklin's - found almost everything I was looking for, and the lady that waited on me was WONDERFUL!!!

OK - Now I'm done venting - that you for your undivided attention!! :D :D :D

What is it with hancock's? I went in there the other day because they had Kona on sale 52% off and I know I waited 1/2 an hour to get my fabric.
She was talking to the person before me that had ONE BOLT of fabric that didn't even get cut she wanted what was on the bolt. TWO YARDS!!!! So it wasn't even like she had to measure out this HUGE amount of fabric and then fold it! Then I come home and I had to cut 3 inches off either side just so it would be straight!

Next time I will pay 5.99 for Kona just for the customer service!

I do however like the boy that works the fabric counter at Joann's. He can talk, measure and cut all at the same time!

I've never been to a Hancock's, but I often shop at Joann's. I've read a lot of negative comments on another sewing board about Joann's fabric cutters, but I've always had good experiences. The ladies who have waited on me have always been professional, helpful, fast, and accurate, which I appreciate. It's frustrating to shop at stores that don't seem to care about customer service.

I have a wonderful local shop. I know there are quite a few others around as well.

I will never go to one of the angry/rude chains again. I do wish actual sewing peeps would work at them but those days seem long gone. I'd also like to bring back the days of the orange-haired beehive'd waitresses who were working on their fortieth year on the job. I miss colorful competence.

Our Joann's has real sewing people some nice some not so friendly. But that's okay as long as they cut fabric right. I haven't been to a Hancock's for years as they closed down some time ago. But I always liked their fabric and the ladies who worked there.

I hate Joanns. The ladies there take forever to cut and also can't talk and cut at the same time.

I once went to get some fabric cut, there was no one around, employee or person waiting to have fabric cut. So I went on a hunt to find someone. She came back with me to the fabric counter, asked for my number. I said I didn't have one since there was no one around. She said I had to get one or she wouldn't cut my fabric. And then by the time I walked to the other end of the fabric counter, 2 people had numbers in front of me, so she cut their fabrics first EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO FIND HER!

I'll take local quilt shops any day. The extra money is worth it

If you live anywhere near Alpena, Ar go check out the Rag Barn. She has a small shop but alot of great quilting fabric and most of it is 2.49 per yard!!!! I buy about 400.00 to 500.00 from her everytime I go in there!!!!

When my friend and I go to Hancock's we call it having an adventure. One time the manager told my friend the fabric she was buying for a skirt was ugly!! LOL!! And another time she told us batiks were not to be used in quilts only cottons. We just laugh and have the best time!! (The manager is serious about her comments - she really believes what she is saying.)

I've found some wonderful fabrics and notions there and some great sales. Where else could we go for that kind of entertainment?

Linda

I just have to add...never say 'never'!:)I have been fed up w/my LQS for a number of reason, a few you listed...and, lo and behold...they are the only ones that I could find that have this halloween fabric I wanted!! Online is even sold out!:)So...my never has been exept today...:)Glad you had a good time at Ben's....we don't have one here anymore and haven't for years! Sad!! Skeat

first I would like to say there is a Hancocks the chain and then there is Handcocks of Paducah, which I really love! great service and great fabrics! They are not the same, Handcocks of Paducah has a wonderful catolog and when I order from it fast servie, no complaints at all, just my 2 cents Leaha

sounds like Hobby Lobby fabric dept!!

Our Hobby Lobby has great people in it now....they must have shipped our grouchy ones to you!:)We don't want the grouchies back...keep them there:)LOL Skeat

I was just at my local Joann's this morning...I had a brand new cutter...she got her name badge minutes before serving me. Being that I have been going there for at least 15 years, and even worked there many many years ago, I am considered almost a part of the team...The person training my cutter had to go on a fabric check when it was my turn... :roll: So, here I am showing the new trainee that with thick fabrics, like fleece you don't try to cut while in the metal guide, you run scizzors along the outside of the guide. I worked with her on my order for about 10 to 15 minutes, due to the telzon. She didn't even know the decimals needed for 1/4 yard, 1/2 yard etc.
Thank God I had my patience hat on today......... :shock:

I went to Hancocks some months ago asking for Moda Marbles. Both of the women I asked looked at me as though I were from another planet. One said "what do you do with it?" I was stunned for a few seconds and then said "Make Quilts!!" I don't want to play any more. I have started seriously ordering online. Don't have to go anywhere and the fabric comes to me!!

Very good point. I love Hancocks of Paducah. Very fast shipping and great customer service. When I first read that I was worried it was them, since we don't have a chain Hancocks in town, but then realized it was a chain store.

I usually get my fabric online or at my local quilt fabric store. Hancocks
by me is useless. They only have 2 clerks in the whole big store and they
don't know what they're doing half the time, the other half they're so
busy chatting they ignore the customer. I occasionally buy fabrics at
JoAnns but only if there is one certain lady there (she's the only one
who knows what shes doing) if she's not there I walk out. I don't think
they train them on service or courtesy anymore.
Catlady

I went to the two area Hancock stores Saturday and was surprised at how bad the service was. It isn't normally fabulous, :( but it was really below par Saturday. In addition, they were both very low on fabric, nothing new in stock. The manager shared that they were making room because they are starting to carry the M'lis line, I was wondering if she will still be carried by JoAnn.

Our local Hancocks is pretty good - the change of management last year really brought some fresh air into the store.

I order fabric from Hancocks of Paducha(sp) and am really happy with them. Its almost impossible to get Kona cotton up here (Canada) and they have an excellent variety. The same goes for Moda Marbles. I have never had any problems with parcels clearing customs and have never had to pay duty or extra taxes and I've ordered up to $100.00. My only complaint about them is that they include a catalogue every time I order.

Fortunately, I love my LQS. thank god cause we don't have anywhere else around here to shop! I also like connectingthreads.com. Great service, material and sales. Those chains are just too overconfident. they should be aware of their bad customer service but i don't think they really care.

My experience with Hancock's isn't much better than everyone else's. I find that their bolts have a lot of flaws. Learned that the hard way.

I love that they send the catalog every time and think it actually smart...for I pass it on always!! Then I don't have to share:)I've even left one at a doctor's office once....figured someone was happy about that :)

well, Linda, you sound like one of those well adjusted people that can tell when something that is said, has nothing to do with you! good for you! :lol:

Skeat, I'm sure you made somebody's day! :D

I guess the Hancock Fabric here is the exception to the rule. I am usually greeted by the regular employees there and asked about my kids and grand daughter ( if they are not with me ). They are familiar with the fabrics I like and point out anything new they think I might like. They are patient with my DGD and always praise her choices for her fat quarters. I guess I am just lucky to have a great group of ladies working there.

Some of the ladies at our Hancock fabric are not at all friendly or helpful. The store was remodeled not to long ago and the fabric selection dropped way down. I seldom bother to go unless they have a super good sale.

The ladies at our Hobby Lobby are always friendly. The only sad part is they never seem to get in anything new.

But I am lucky to to have 3 fantastic LQS near me.

The days of retailers hiring people who have a knowledge of or passion for what they are selling are long gone (though there are a few gemlike exceptions, Textile Traders in Midland and Zena's our local LQS). I always vote with my feet, and generally, politely let them know exactly why I won't be coming back, either there and then or by dropping the management a note. I would rather travel a few extra kms or pay a little more for good products along with good service.

Oh, I have horror stories about Hancock's Fabrics in my area (they are no longer here now). I never knew what to expect when I went in there. Always a new manager and new employees every other week. The best episode was when I bought 1/2 yard of fabric. The ticket said .5. The cashier a younger woman rang up 5 yards. I said no it's 1/2 yard. She said the ticket says 5 yards. I said no .5 is 50 which is half. Does this bit of fabric look like five yards? She said she didn't know she didn't sew. She called the manager to come 'deal with a customer'. The manager (new, been there for two days, friend of the owner's daughter) bounced over said with a big smile, what's the problem? I said I was charged for 5 yards of fabric and handed her the ticket. She looked and said okay, what's the problem. I said I bought 1/2 yard. She said the ticket says 5!!! I picked up my 1/2 yard and opened it up and was swinging it around my head saying does this look like five freaking yards of fabric???????????????? I left with my fabric and I paid for one half yard.

We have a Hancock's here, too, and I refuse to go in, also. When I encounter nasty/rude clerks I generally ask to speak to the managers. However, this Hancock's manager IS the rude person!!! You'd think with the unemployment rate so high, the clerks/managers/owners would kiss our toes when we come in, wouldn't you???!!!! :shock:

I use to love my Hancocks but they remodeled it a few weeks ago and now I can't find anything . Also they have new employees who are clueless :shock: Bought a fleece panel and wanted the backing cut to match and she couldn't even do that correctly... it was SO off I had to cut into part of the panel to get the backing to match since she couldn't cut STRAIGHT :twisted:

OMG, Bella, that story has me laughing so hard!!

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. I'm grateful our Hancock's is still open for business. My only complaint is the lack adequate salespersons to wait on everyone especially when they run their sales. Also, I've experienced several times going in for a sale item and it is not on the floor. They don't have the manpower to unpack their shipments in a timely manner. Other than that, it is one of 3 places in town where I can get fabric and notions so I'm grateful they are still around.

See now, I would have left the fabric with them!!

we don't have a hancocks here, but i get that sometimes at Joanns :(

If you find a person you like to work with, who is willing to help you, you will like the fabric store. I have a great lady that works at Walmart in the fabric department. She is so patient and friendly. I take my post-it note pad in and as I find the fabrics I want, I label what I need. I'm a very slow shopper, so she will take 3-4 bolts and cut my yardage as she has time. The bolts go back out for other customers, and by the time I finally choose my last pit of notions, my fabric is cut and ready to go. I call ahead to make sure she is there before I go. However, yesterday, I was in a hurry so Randy and I just stopped in. There was NOBODY in the fabric department and about 20 customers. Randy was getting really angry so I... yes me, got out of my wheelchair and started cutting fabric.

I used my post it notes to label and record who bought what. After nearly finishing all 25 + customers, keeping both a running log and making price tags, the Security Guard came and asked me what I was doing. "Cutting fabric for your customers." "Are you authorized?", "Sure, I come here all the time. I didn't cut paper with the scissors. Not only that, but I sold over $700 in fabric and notions. You should thank me."

NOBODY has said a word. Not a thanks, boo, kiss my foot,or anything.
This morning my friend called me and asked if I was the mystery attendant. (She recognized the sticky notes.) Guess what. Each and every piece of fabric I cut was purchased and paid for. None was swiped. Each sticky not returned to the fabric department and matched up with the log I kept. And now that they know how many people can be there in an evening, they are going to keep a fabric departrment person there until after 12:00 midnight.

I know you don't like to go to Walmart, but it is all I have. Gwyn

I love it Gwyn!! Walmart should send you your very own apron and name tag for those emergency situations!!:)I bet every customer was thrilled to have you and I bet dh took off running to the man department while you were busy!:)Good job!! Skeat