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.

I have no choice....it's Joann's or the big nada. I'm learning quickly how to shop on line :) To be fair...the folks in the Bangor, ME Joann's are very nice & friendly!

I started buying wholesale because of the bad service and lack of goods!
wasn't as bad a few years ago but since corporate took away the ability of the store to order what they need and staff how they needed things have gone downhill
Right before christmas I needed almost 60yds of black kona
and yes I pay more at Joanns but my wholesale order was on backorder- so I bit the bullet
went to 4 stores in a 100 miles radius and had them search their computers to get what I needed.
computer inventory was wrong for every store!
I ended up getting only 8 yds total!
but the factory inventory said they had over 10,000yds
so why wasn't it at the stores??
also the online store now limits your purchases even if paying full retail- you can only purchase between 5-8 yds of any one fabric
why????
If I have 100 yds to sell and you will pay my price I will sell to you!!!
I think they stay in business because they are the only thing around for most.

THe JoAnn's I usually go to in Durham NC has similar problems -- they always seem to be training new people. I guess they don't pay enough to get people to stay. It's sad, cuz I worked in a So-Fro when I was in high school (oh, so many years ago), and I loved being around all that fabric all the time. I don't think there are many young kids around that would work at the low wages, that know anything about sewing.

Our Joanne's seems to be short staffed all the time. Only 2 employees during week days. I buy Kona, books and notions mostly.

I had a similar weird experience at Ikea a few weeks ago. They now carry some beautiful fabrics, but more suited to home dec or bags. First we had to hunt down someone to cut the fabric. Not a big deal, but took about ten minutes or more. We had what my daughter wanted, then I had her measure a piece I had found. It was so cute and would have made a great bag. There was less then a yard, maybe about 2/3rds of a yard. She said that they don't cut half yards but since it was the last of the bolt, she called it a half yard and called the person in charge of fabric to make sure. It was ok'd and she said that if they have a problem to call her. So I went on my merry way. Of course there was a problem. And the floor manager came over and said if I wanted it I had to pay for a whole yard. WTH? I told her what the little gal in fabrics has said, but she refused to make the phone call to check. The poor clerk was dumbfounded. The floor manager turned and flounced away. And then the clerk turned to me and with wide eyes says " so do you want it?" Again, WTH? Um, no, I am not paying double what it is worth. I did tell her I understood it was not her fault, but good gravy, give some people a little power and they own the world.
I love Ikea and will still go when I can, but I guess I will not look at small pieces of fabric.
the thing is, I know they will send it to the scratch and dent dept and it will be sold for far less as a scrap. Oh well, whatever, I had spent enough there anyway.

There are literally half a dozen JoAnn's within easy shopping distance. Of those six, the only store I don't mind to visit is naturally the furthest.

Bad for JoAnn. Good for the two LQSs nearby.

It's not so much about the wages, but they won't schedule enough hours or they will go over budget, so that leaves those of us who are willing to put up with low wages no hours.

cat-I work at the Durham store...

There is only one close enough to go to for me. I haven't had any major problems but noticed all the employees are not allowed make the simplest of decisions without the permission of the manager, who is always in the back.

I was at one of the super center Joann's today and I have to say my experience was not too great either. Our little Joann's in my area carry extra coupons for the customer by the door but apparently that isn't done at the super centers. I found the cutest coffee mug pincushion I just had to have. Hated to pay full price when if they would have given me a coupon I could have gotten it at 40% off. I knew my joann back home wouldn't have it so I bit the bullet and bought it anyway. Do you think I could take it back to my Joann's and return it and then rebuy it with the coupon??? I know I sound cheap but every penny counts these days.

Nettie

Nettie that should probably be ok. I wuld prbably do the same. I went to a few JA in MI today. They are so under staffed!! The line ups were very long at both the cutting table and check out. DH knows that if I go in to shop that I will be in line for at least 40 min.

I was actually in the Joanns that is about 22 miles away from my home, not once, but twice today. I too needed some black Kona, 4 yards and wanted to use my coupon. About 3 employees in the store, very, very slight wait at the cutting table, pleasant, wanted to know what I was working on, and when I admired some fabric on the bolt that they were just putting away, I said, oh how pretty and they said it's less than a yard, do you want it for 50% off as a end of bolt, I said sure. We laughed about my spur of the moment "savings".

The second time, DH and I decided to go out for dinner at Olive Garden which is right across from the same Joanns. I had forgotten to get some interfacing on the first trip, so I ran in to get that while DH got us a table. The newest member of the staff who we have gotten to know recently, said "Hi, I was wondering if you were going to come in today".

So the bottom line is, I have had no problems at our Joanns. Yes, it is a hassle when you want to use your coupon and everything is on sale so you can't use it, but that is the way it goes. AND their receipts are hard to decipher, so I always check them closely. So sorry that some of you are treated so shabbily and have no where else to go within a decent distance.

Like Granda, when DH and I meet a clerk in a grumpy mood, we think it is fun to try to be extra nice and coax them out of it. We usually manage to get a smile, but not always.

I am lucky enough to live right in the middle of two of the supercenter Joann's. One is a LOT better than the other. I will only go to the second if I happen to be in that shopping area.

I have never really had trouble at the cutting counter, some long lines on coupon events, but they move fast. However at checkout, it seems like nobody knows what they are doing.

Lol I will still go there though. I love Joann's.

Hi Gail. I'm glad we don't have a JoAnne's close by. I have enough stress.

I had something like that happen. There was only 1 girl working the cutting counter at Joann's I took my number and waited I had a huge cart full. A lady walks up to ask a question, no fabric in her hand but the girl at the counter made her get a number for a question. So she did while we are waiting another employee walks by and the lady with the question goes off with her (maybe getting her question answered)
My number gets called. I have a HUGE cart full of fabric and I want a lot of it in 1/2-1 yard length. The new lady behind me (not ? lady) has a tiny little ribbon role that she only wants a yard. I tell the employee to let her go. BUT because question lady took a number (remember that) now the lady with the ribbon is not next. The employee then proceeds to call the next number and wait for the lady to show up.
All the while I am thinking I still have the number in my hand should I be going. See what you get for trying to be nice. So ribbon lady had to wait for me to get my 20 bolts of 1 yard cuts, and the question lady to come back to get 1 yard of ribbon. But ohh well Ribbon lady and I chatted while we waited for question lady.

Quilting Turtle I love my JoAnns also. It is on Navajo in 'San Diego and I have never seen less than three cutters at once, I do agree though, that the check out can be unwieldly at times with not enough clerks.

I was hired by Joann's once but never worked a day for them. After they hired me they informed me they would only pay minimum wage which at the time was five something. AND I had to buy my "uniform" to wear. So, I quit before I ever started!

I always feel so bad for any of you that have bad experiences at Joann's.

I work for one here in Michigan. I know about the hours thing. And it is minimum wage but the job market is terrible here.

Most times we have enough people, even on the days that we are busy because of one sale or another, but they constantly tell us that if we get backed up, we are to call the manager for additional help.

They constantly maintain a "guest first, " attitude. Even the headsets we wear are called guest first radios.

I work at the cutting counter, register, I do a lot of the demonstrations and I also teach a class.

Most of the women that I work with are awesome; great attitudes and always helpful.

I sure wish all of you could come shop at our store.

i don't get to Joanns often but when I have they are nice.

We have a big Joanns and a small Joanns within a few miles of each other and I think the small Joanns does a better business. They seem more organized and the gals are a lot friendlier and they seem to know what they are doing.

My biggest gripe with the big store is the cutting table. I'm sorry, they say they train these girls to cut but I beg to differ. I bought fabric where one end was really ragged and uneven but the gal told me if she didn't cut the bad end evenly she would have to measure from the long side vs. the short side and charge me for the extra 5". I was speechless.

Fortunately, we also have a local grocery store building that was converted into a fabric warehouse, it's a bit overwhelming, my friend won't shop there because it gives her anxiety attacks, there's so much stuff, but when they cut they generously throw in an extra 10" or so. Gotta love that!

I guess we are lucky...there are at least always 5 employees or more in our Joann's. It's a really big store, and they usually have 2 people on cuttng table, 2 on checkout, and 2 elsewhere. Very busy store too.

Our Joanns is super!! Yeah, sometimes there's lines but they usually have two or three people cutting and 1 or 2 checking out. Our's carries good fabric, notions, and books. The sales staff is friendly and helpful.

No matter where I get fabric I usually fold my own. Whether it's at Walmart, an LQS or the Eleanor Burns tent in Paducah. It helps the lines go faster and I know how I want it folded.

i can't help but ask this question ...

why is it the store's fault if the place is packed with customers?

if i have to wait and i'm the first in line i get cranky. if i'm in a line, i sure don't blame the employees for having to wait.

the real problem is obvious: all those other shoppers should have had the courtesy to stay home so i could have the store all to myself. :lol:

I have 2 Joanns within easy driving distance (1 superstore - 1 regular store). Attitudes are pretty nice at each store. The regular store seems to have more experienced employees (or more experienced fabric handlers).

I questioned the type of fabric to use outside that was weather resistant and an experienced sewer kindly instructed me and answered all my questions on the type to use and what she actually used.

Just recently I 'heard' the cutting gal RIP the fabric someone was purchasing and I gasped! The customer said she was HAPPY to see that someone rips the fabric instead of cutting it.

Good thing I wasn't buying any fabric that day. I think I would have "LET HER RIP" and then tell her - I want it cut.

As far as shortage of employees goes, I think that's the general business attitude these days. Business don't want to pay for 'extra' employees to be on staff to stand around waiting for customers when sales are on. (Joanns has sales all the time anyway) Employeers would rather the employees hustle their butts off and have the customer wait a little longer.

Please show (us) employees a little patience...we don't like it either...but it's a job...no matter what the pay is.

Our Joanns is great- the gals are always nice. they do complain about not having the hours. They try really hard to make sure everyone is getting helped. I don't really mind the wait if you see them trying hard.

Thank goodness I have never had problems like these at the Joann's I go to.

The one I go to most often has very helpful staff who have been there a good while. My friend went in on day when apparently one of the regulars was on vacation and the 'newbie' either didn't have a clue or just didn't care. The next time we went in she commented that the one who was there last week 'sure didn't last long'...

I realize that all kinds of stores are having to cut back because expenses are rising more quickly than profits. But if you cut back too much on staffing, it drives customers away and you've lost even more. Cutting fabric is labor intensive and the only way around that is precut fabrics, which doesn't always work out well.

I really think it depends on the store. I had one by my old office that was great, one my my mothers house (between offfice and home) and it was not as good but ok. There is another (I know I am lucky!) about 20 minutes north of me and the people are just ok. Lines are always very long - but I am also there on the weekends.

Overall - I usually plan a while at Joannes since I wonder quite a bit. So the wait in line is kind of expected when I get there.

i've had good and bad experiences at the one joanns in the okc area. they are always short staffed but that's not the clerks' doing.
hancocks is usually short staffed too and the clerks seem to move in slow motion. i guess they have gotten used to knowing there isn't enough help and only so much they can get done.

The other day I purchased some interfacing...the clerk cutting the fabric asked if I was on their mailing list. I said I had filled out app quite some time ago and never have received any fliers. Now, if you were on the ball, would you not take initiative and get another app for a customer????? She just said "oh, that's strange" and finished out the cutting!!

I LOVE my Joann's!! They get most of my money ;)