it happened. Perhaps because I had read about everyone else's "episodes," I had my eyes open and "watching." But this is what happened. I stopped in for more solid black Kona cotton. I walked right up to the fabric I needed, picked up the two bolts that had very little left on them. On the way to the cutting table to have the fabric measured, I picked up a small bolt of Pellon featherweight fusible. then I saw it. A line at checkout "a mile long," and the line at the cutting table was almost as long. Now understand that DH was sitting in the car with the AC running. So I didn't dare look around for fear that I'd spot something else -- I wouldn't lose my place in line for anything. When it was finally my turn, she asked what I needed. I said that I needed each of these bolts measured -- I wanted the whole thing. For an instance, she stalled. And I'm thinking "What's the problem?" She finally snapped out of it and began unrolling the fusible. There was 8 plus yards. I asked her if she would like me to replace it on the bolt while she measured the Kona. She said she thought those in line would appreciate that. {{{{What?}}}} She measured the first piece of black cotton, folded it and then measured the second piece. She said, "four yards and 34 inches, that would be five yards." {{{{What!?}}}} The next two ladies in line opened their eyes wide. I told the "cutter", "Well that's not five yards." (I know, it was ALMOST, but by this time, it was the principle of the thing. If I had asked for 38 inches of fabric, would she have charged me for 1 yard? I don't think so.) Sooo... she brought out her little yardage calculator and did the math. This is so embarrassing, but was I being obnoxious? (The ladies in line gave me a wink when she pulled out the calculator.)

And then............when I got to checkout, the cashier had left her post and there was a line forming there again. I didn't time the wait, but it was too long. I can't say I'll make my X on JoAnn's because we are limited with resources, but I'll have to really NEED something to walk back into that place. I just can't believe they would have only 2 employees in that large store. There were shoppers all over the place in there.

The coupon thing now with JoAnn's is driving me crazy. I drive 55 mi to a JoAnn's and they used to honor things early because of driving distance--now they won't. So they have dated coupons and be sure to read the fine print.

I hate JoAnn's I only go there when I have to. It must work for them, they stay in business. But I think they would do a better with more help.

At the 2 JoAnn's I shop at, you grab a number half way through your shopping LMBO other wise there is a good 30 minute way on sale days... they will even call your number over the PA and listen for you to yell "coming" LOL They are always short staffed at the cutting counter...
I haven't ever had them charge me for more than they cut...I would have raised a fuss as that is NOT right :x

The small Joann's near my home is in the middle of resetting the store for fall. The lines were horrible yesterday. Come on, let the night crew do that. I had to wait for one lady to help me find pearl cotton,(She didn't know what it was). I then went to wait in line to have my fabric cut and after several minutes, the same lady came to cut my fabric. I went to the check out and waited in a long line only to have the same lady open up another register. By then I felt sorry for her. The other ladies didn't seem to have a sense of urgency to help the customers. In fact, I overheard on lady complain that because of all of the customers they weren't going to get the reset finished. Sheesh.

Just have to remember, these ladies would probably LOVE help... but the then the bonuses wouldn't be as large for those at the top :roll:

Sad with all the people out of work , also

Well, my experience was much better....
I decided to take a little drive today and drove the 2 hours South across the border and into Malone, NY..the J0ANN's there was a more positive experience..the gals there are peasant - taking the time to chat - very friendly - and today I had a return to make - I received a Bias Maker as a present but it's not something that I will use so I wanted to return it..and this was also the closest store.....they had problems with their computer and wasn't able to make the return - well one of the gals spent 25 minutes on the phone - and didn't stop til the return was made and came looking for me in the store to give me the recipt, etc. - so for me, my JOANN's visit was a very positive one.. :-)

Ours is like that-only 2 employees at a time. And at least 2 of the ladies at ours are not friendly at all. One scowls at everyone like we're really ruining her day by shopping there. I buy kona cotton, books, and some notions and that's about it. We do not have a quilt shop though (at least not one that carries any fabric that I like), so if I don't get it from Joann's I buy it online.

I guess I'm fortunate. I've almost always had positive experiences at the two JoAnns in Springfield, IL, as well as one in Bloomington, IL. Staff are generally helpful and positive. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait, but most of the time it's not too long.

My grandson thinks I'm crazy. When I come across a store employee who is not very friendly, I make sure I greet "them" first with a big hello and ask how they are doing. I make sure I give them a big thank you and wish them a good day when I'm leaving. It really confuses some people, but it makes my day. Of course, you do have to get used to the strange looks that you get when you do this. Sometimes it does change their attitude, but not always.