Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-08-2006, 04:47 PM (1 of 68)
I went to Jo Anns today to get a piece of lining for a dress I am making my great niece. I walked every isle of the store looking for a light weight stretch fabric in black. When I couldn't find any I asked for help & the clerk actually laughed at me & told me to check Wal Mart or drive 100 miles to a specialty fabric store. I can't believe I can't go into a store & buy tricot lining! We are checking Wal Mart tomorrow. Then I will check online sources. I only need 1/2 yd to line the top of her dress. I really wanted to get this done today. 
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
|
From: MariLynntex
Date: 07-08-2006, 05:08 PM (2 of 68)
| Barb, I am a mother of 7 and grandmother of 15. I am sorry that I cannot help you out. I had exactly what you were talking about, I think, until I moved down here near Houston. Apparently the movers didn't listen to me or didn't understand English (a clear possibility!) when I said I wanted EVERYTHING in my sewing room put into the moving truck. Now, instead of a 5-drawer chest stuffed with scraps I have absolutely zero! The chest arrived here but not the scraps. Maybe someone will read your plea and send you a piece of lightweight black stretch fabric. MariLynntex |
User: MariLynntex
Member since: 01-05-2006 Total posts: 107 |
From: cshortsew
Date: 07-08-2006, 05:12 PM (3 of 68)
|
That was kinda rude. It's one thing to tell a customer that you don't carry a product and offer names of other stores that might, but it should be done a more professional manner. I think I would have asked to speak with the manager.
cshortsew
Projects Completed in 2007: Sewing: biscuit quilt, 7 baby dress sets, piggy pillow, 7 baby pants, eyeglass holder, purse, 5 baby outfits, toddler dress set Crocheting: red purse, piggy slippers, sweater shawl, 5 pr. sock trims, 89 squares, baby sweater, 2 afghans, toddler harness, baby poncho, baby dress Other: 14 Autism pins Works in progress: Sewing: toddler overalls & shirt Crocheting: vertical stripes afghan |
User: cshortsew
Member since: 06-28-2006 Total posts: 380 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-08-2006, 09:43 PM (4 of 68)
|
I think she was the manager! I think I am going to use self fabric inside out for the lining. The dress fabric is black with glittery flip flops on it. I didn't want to put the glitter next to the skin. If that looks funny I have a black slip I will cut up. I am going to be seeing them tomorrow night so I want to get it done. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-09-2006, 12:10 AM (5 of 68)
|
Sometimes you can go into Joann's and the sales staff will be very friendly and helpful and other times you go in and they're snarling and acting as if you deliberately came into harass them and make their day miserable. I rarely go to Joann's anymore unless it's something I can't find at a Hancock's or Wal-Mart. There are only 2 Wal-Marts in my area that I like to shop in and the others are a pain in the head with really strange people that seem to shop in them. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-09-2006, 08:13 AM (6 of 68)
|
Yesterday I went to the big fabric sale at Jo Ann's - I had a huge stack of cotton fabric to be cut for quilting. I told the young woman at the cutting station I wanted her to check the fabric and cut it straight of grain or provide an extra inch so I could do it at home and not lose fabric - she gave me this blank stare and says "what do you mean on grain"? Aghhhhh! Am I using the wrong terms here or was she just not up to par in the sewing world? The lady at Walmat always knows exactly what I mean, and she gives me three inches free to correct the fabric, or checks it herself before cutting. You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
|
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257 
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-09-2006, 08:33 AM (7 of 68)
|
I live between two Jo-Anns, one is terrible and one is not so bad. I usually go to the one that is not so bad. I never shop at WalMart. If that is the only place I can get something then I do without. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Patty22
Date: 07-09-2006, 10:45 AM (8 of 68)
|
Dorothy.... I was just at the JoAnn's (bad one) to pick up a batt and Vogue Pattern. My daughter cringed when we had to be checked out by one sales associate that acts like she is always having a bad day. Didn't stay long in that store to look around.  The last time we were in there, two of the sales associates keep looking at us and whispering. My daughter had applied for a job there and I guess that was their way of telling her she wasn't going to get it  Shopping by mail gets better and better! Robin, Not all the sales associates sew, therefore, she wouldn't understand what you're talking about. About straightening fabric by tearing.... I remember years ago when the sales clerks would tear all the fabric, when possible. However, that was changed for safety of the clerks so they wouldn't breathe in all the cotton fibers. Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-09-2006, 10:51 AM (9 of 68)
|
About straightening fabric by tearing.... I remember years ago when the sales clerks would tear all the fabric, when possible. However, that was changed for safety of the clerks so they wouldn't breathe in all the cotton fibers. Is that why they don't do it? Well, at least they have a good reason. They all look at me like I'm crazy when I ask them to tear. In the little shops in the New York garment district they all tear unless the fabric can't handle it. I'm going today for one last quick look at Hancocks before they close forever. Then I can sew all day and evening. No one is looking at my house today and I don't have to work. My husband has to cook because it was his turn last night and he wimped out and bought pizza. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MrsSnuggly
Date: 07-09-2006, 11:00 AM (10 of 68)
|
I'm going to start by saying I hate wal-mart. I will however state that I also hate Jo-ann's! They used to be great (say 10 yrs ago) - I used to find everything easily and sales associates were helpful. Well, I think they've all retired. We have 2 different Jo-ann's around and they are both; dirty, full of teen agers that don't sew or know sewing terms - let alone fabrics, understocked, and in general not worth the trip. It seems that saving money has become synonomous with poor sales staff. I have become a fan of the littler sewing shops were the owner gets to know you - along with other things (we bank at a little tiny bank - they even know my kids, go to a smaller grocery if possible, that sort of thing). But I live in an area where thats easy/a luxury. I seriously cannot believe they didn't have something as simple as that! That should be an easy fabric to find. Maybe you'd have more luck on the internet - plus you wouldn't get looked at like you're crazy! Alot of places are having, or soon to have, xmas in July sales - you could probably get a good deal!! Or maybe somweone has some - you could post on the swap forum? Doesn't really help with the whole, get it done today thing.... Have luck! And in the future I hope Wal-mart carries what you need so you don't have to go back to that horrible store. Brandy~ |
User: MrsSnuggly
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 104 |
From: Bama
Date: 07-09-2006, 12:01 PM (11 of 68)
|
I wondered why not all fabric stores tear the fabric. Two quilt shops that I visit always tear it instead of cutting it. I hate coming home with fabric that's cut crooked. I try to watch them measure it now and point out (nicely  ) if it's not right. It's nice when I get a sales person that actually sews. That's why I like Hobby Lobby, even though they could have a better selection of garmet fabrics. I went one day to look for skirt fabrics and didn't find much. Great quilting cottons though. 
|
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-09-2006, 12:06 PM (12 of 68)
|
I used to work at Jo Anns(1974- 1977), then I went ot So Fro (1977-1979 & 1981-1984) . I was an assistant manager at both stores & if we didn't have what the customer wanted we would hunt the store for something that would work. Back then a fabric store was a fabric store. Now they are so full of crafts that you can't find the fabric. I wish we had somewhere else to shop here in town but our choices are Jo Anns, Wal Mart or Hobby Lobby. We also have a few Quilt shops but there prices are 2-3 times as high for the same fabrics I can get at Wal Mart. I like to sew with knits. I think they are forgiving & I enjoy fast projects. The Add in me loses interest if I can't finish in 1-2 days. Then I have to force myself & it isn't fun anymore. I am going in now to see if I can find something here to work I will try to get Dd to take a picture so I can post if I get it done. I took what I had done to a party last night to see if it was going to fit & got 3 more orders from the other girls there. I love using up my stash & making them happy so here goes.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-09-2006, 01:02 PM (13 of 68)
|
I was at Walmart today for some curved quilting pins and saw they put a ton of qualico cotton fabric in the $2 sale pile. I had 15 bolts to be cut to bring fabric home for a new quilt. I waited 45 min pushing that dang button for service - then walked away. I know my fav sales person, that sews, will be there tomorrow night - I plan to go back when she is there. Too bad for them - I doubt I will splurge on 15 yards of fabric tomorrow. I was in the mood today! You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
|
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
|
From: vickki
Date: 07-09-2006, 05:17 PM (14 of 68)
| Guess those sales associated don't know you pay their wages.Without us there's no need for them. |
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-09-2006, 06:49 PM (15 of 68)
|
My local Hancock's has gotten rid of all their d*** a** sales clerks, finally. They had one in there for a while that every time she was the only one available to cut fabric for me I'd say "oh, that's okay, I'll come back later." When she cut fabric you could count on being short at least 1/8 yd on either side of the fabric. When I'm getting fabric and they lay it down and start to cut and the fabric is uneven, I'll stop them and ask if they can straighten the fabric up and then cut it. The only time I'll buy fabric at my local Wal-Mart is when the lady that I know is the department manager is on duty. Otherwise, they also employ some reall d*** a****. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: KATMOM
Date: 07-10-2006, 09:57 AM (16 of 68)
|
What is interesting to me is that we have all had these experiences....It's nice to hear actually that even experienced sewers have this issue at times...I really thought it was me being inexperienced was just a trying customer. When ever I see a behavior I really hate....I ask myself...do I do that? So I try not to treat our customers like crap, I try to hear what they are saying and respond. I try to always say please, thank you ...that kind of thing. I have been on both ends where I have been treated poorly by the customer and by the cashier/ sales associate. But, I think after reading this post....it really has nothing to do with me and everything to do with that person and their personal attitude....they probably have that attitude about everything. |
User: KATMOM
Member since: 11-30-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-10-2006, 10:30 AM (17 of 68)
|
I shop anywhere and everywhere. I went into our local WalMart the other day for a zipper. Usually the clerks are fine with me. Most have limited knowledge of sewing. This one particular day the clerk was very knowledgeable and friendly with everyone. She was young and smart. I betcha next time I go she will be gone. Good advice and friendly service are hard to find sometimes.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: stephi
Date: 07-10-2006, 11:36 AM (18 of 68)
|
If I need to hit the joannes i go during the day. I have found that all the ******* have to go to school and the older ladies are there. One in particular is always very nice to me and asks what I am making and if she has some tips she shares in the nicest way. I actually had her cuss a sales associate for cutting my material icredably crooked one day. The edges didnt matchup and she had the longer side up and measured from there rather than straightening the edge and recutting it!!! My walmart lady is the best!! She is very knowledgeable and friendly
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361 
|
From: Nina Christen
Date: 07-10-2006, 12:40 PM (19 of 68)
|
I have had the same experiences shopping for fabric as the others. WalMart is a last resort after checking out Joann's. I purchase 95% of my fabric on line. Even on line I have found some sites do not carry the type of fabric I am looking for. For example, I wanted some nylon tricot. I searched several sites before I found it and when I did I stocked up. I purchased 5 yd each of the white and the black. It has been in my stash for at least a year and just yesterday I used some white to line a lacy little skirt for my granddaughter. Shopping on line is a real pleasure for me, as I can browse at my leisure and not have to walk from one end of the store to the other or wait in line for a piece to be cut. Our Joann's is having a big makeover and doing away with a lot of things. The craft department is being expanded but I haven't seen any change in the fabric department yet. The big motivator here is a brand new Super WalMart going up within walking distance of the Joann Store. I hate to see a WalMart come in any town. They suck the life out of the small individually owned stores. The small store cannot compete with the prices. I have seen first hand exactly what happens to a small town after WalMart comes in. The town essentialy becomes a ghost town. Enough SOAP BOX I feel better now, thanks for lending an ear and please accept my apology if I offended anyone. Gmanina
|
User: Nina Christen
Member since: 05-02-2003 Total posts: 36 
|
From: swartzrn
Date: 07-10-2006, 12:46 PM (20 of 68)
|
We don't have a JoAnn's but we do have a Hancocks and I've had pretty good service in there. I have bought quite a bit of fabric and notions at Wal Mart here and the only problem I have had is that one of the girls who cuts fabric usually tries to tell me her whole life story while she's cutting my fabric and all of her woes. Don't get me wrong--I do not mind listening to anybody who wants to talk but when she goes into how her husband is cheating on her with her best friend and on and on and how she called the girl a (insert ugly name) and so on, I get a little put off. I usually take my bolts now and then while she is cutting it all, I say I will be right back and go look at something else and come back. I don't have a problem with a clerk telling me where I might have better luck. In fact for last month's FQ swap, the lady at Hobby Lobby was extremely helpful. To me, good customer service is being courteous when telling me they don't have the product I am looking for but saying something like "you might try...they might be able to help you." I think the treatment you received at JoAnn's sounds a bit rude and laughing definately would've made me a bit perturbed... Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-10-2006, 12:56 PM (21 of 68)
|
Well I finished the dress. I will post pictures when I get them. I don't have a digital camera so I have to wait until my film is gone to develop. I used the fabric with the wrong side to the body for lining. It worked great. Then I made another with self lining. I started a third but it is giving me trouble so I put it away for a while. I got my job at So Fro(House of Fabrics) after qutiing Jo Anns when we got a new manager that told the customers wrong info then would blame it on the sales clerks. He didn't know anything about fabric or sewing & would mess things up so bad we would have to fix them. I had a customer who would only but fabric if I was working to wait on her. When I quit she went to So Fro & told them if they wanted her business they better hire me. She was a bridal seamstress & would spend quite a lot at a time. She called some of the other regulars I had & they all switched to So Fro. I really miss that store but they would probably be all crafts now too! Stephi I have the opposite problem. It is the more experianced(older) people that give me more trouble. The younger ones just look at me when I ask a question & then I have to explain a few times. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: stephi
Date: 07-10-2006, 02:01 PM (22 of 68)
|
Barb, Its funny how you can find that younger people who you think wouldnt have a clue are nice and knowledgable. My young girl at joannes quit about 2years ago. I heard a lady asking about her last time she was in...I think she was the managers D. She went on to college and we all miss her, LOL. My joannes is a grave yard of fabric, more than half of it is "crafts" or lack there of. I go to ebay alot because its easy and you can find awesome deals if you look. 
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
|
From: Tom Land
Date: 07-10-2006, 04:49 PM (23 of 68)
|
Barb, It's sad to hear of your experience but it is a sign of the times. The large chains will never offer us the kind of service we used to take for granted. Having worked there yourself you can appreciate how little some employees care. I was regional manager for So-Fro, Sewing Machine Division(House of Fabrics west on the Rockies) and was always amazed when I would see a good employee on the fabric side. Every now and then someone would accidently get hired that felt like they had a job to do and that included helping customers. My observation was that the manager made all the difference but even then it is hard to find good help at low wages. Being from Arkansas, I have seen too much of the Waltons underhanded dealings to ever shop there if there is an alternative. I do not want to live in a "Wal-Mart World" so refuse to aide in their growth eventhough I know they are not missing my pennies.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: mamagoose
Date: 07-11-2006, 08:53 AM (24 of 68)
|
Walmart didn't have anything I needed yesterday. Boning or millinery-type wire. JoAnns is further away, but I'll have to plan another trip, although I don't know if they have the wire I need either. I do like a lot of Walmart's bargain fabric. I stick with the ones that say USA or JAPAN on the bolt. Even if I don't know the content, it appears to be pretty good fabric and washes well. (Leftovers from the hi-end garment manufacturer's I suspect.) JoAnns had some nic bargain fabric for awhile, but now everything is China, Korea and India and the quality is bad for the most part. If I needed inexpensive fabric for fitting, only then do I buy it. My beef with the online sources is that most only say imported. I search for mostly Italian fabric online. I'd better stop yakking and go sew! Have a sew easy day! mamagoose |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-11-2006, 02:06 PM (25 of 68)
|
I saw the sale at Walmart on the pretty pink Calico's and almost gave in - except I had a little help from no one manning the cutting counter and me walking out. I planned to swing in yesterday evening on my way home - it is so bad - I hate Walmart - but it's the only store 2 min from my house! Last night I had to fight the steering wheel to not pull into that Walmart! Whew, I made it! Now I gotta drive by again tonight, and everyday on my way to and from work, how long can I resist . . .
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
|
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
|
From: Carol in ME
Date: 07-11-2006, 08:15 PM (26 of 68)
|
I used to work at So- Fro...fired so a So-fro nephew could have my job. so in my mind, no better than the Waltons. Come to think of it, worked for Wal-Mart too. Hated the job I had to do, but then...I wasn't very good at it. At least I wasn't fired to give a ne'er -do -well nephew a job. OUr JO-ann's hit a new low this spring. A buddy of mine had had a boatload of fabric cut when the power was knocked out by a thunderstorm. The manager(!) told him they couldn't complete the sale, and they wouldn't hold the fabric for him! A friendlier employee saw there was a disagreement, came over and asked what was the problem? When told of the situation asked the manager(?) why can't we just hold it? Buddy then asked to speak to the difficult employee's supervisor. Suddenly it became possible to hold the fabric, and the credit card number, run it through when the power came on, and hold the fabric until he made a return trip. Jo-ann's is so full of garden junk, Pez dispensers, tacky trinkets...some wag on the 'Net dubbed Jo-ann's Etc. as Jo-ann's Experience the Cr@p. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-11-2006, 09:06 PM (27 of 68)
|
I found some beautiful tricot today! At WalMart for $1 a yd. It cream not black but I bought 8 yds to have on hand next time I need it. I also found some very nice colored eyelet for $2 a yd. Dd wants skirts out of it for back to school I bought peach,cream,blue, lt. green & an olive green. I complimented the manager of the dept. on the cleanliness of her dept. I have never gone in & found a mess unless they had just got in new fabric. Then they try to keep it to the side so you can still get down the ailse.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 07-11-2006, 09:54 PM (28 of 68)
|
I miss my Walmart 5 minutes from the house. I have three I use now but they are really far from me. One is 45 minutes away, ice cream melts, then there is one that is 30 minutes away and it never has anything, the influx of evacuees take all the stock as soon as it's put on the shelves and the other one is about as far as the one that is 30 mins away but takes about 50 minutes because of all the traffic with the evacuees. I really prefer to go to the quilt shops in the area for fabric which have a lot of fabric, the price is higher but the quality I find is far better. They are building a WalMart closer to us (15 mins) but it's not open until July 19th next week. I can't wait till it opens our grocery stores are killing us with the prices. Hancocks and Joann's are all an hour from me. It's like going on a field trip to those places. I go once a month when I can to the Hancock's in Metairie that's where they are holding our ASG meetings now.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
|
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
|
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-11-2006, 10:47 PM (29 of 68)
|
Tom my husband feels the same way you do about Wal-Mart and discourages me shopping there as much as he can. My dh has had business dealings with Wal-Mart and refuses to shop in their stores as a consequence. He says they deliberately put their vendors out of business by nickel and diming them to death on their bills, discounting items by saying they were inferior products and do not pay their bills on time. They take 120 days or longer to pay their vendors. Now I ask you, if you're supplying a product to someone, can you afford to or do you want to wait that long to get paid? These days when I am ill treated by anyone in any store, I simply lay my merchandise down and walk out. There are too many other places in the area I live in to shop so I don't feel I have to stand and be treated rudely, hatefully or any way but in a pleasant, business like manner in exchange for my money. Keep that in mind ladies and gentlemen -- if you and other people like you were not in a place of business spending your hard earned money, the people working there would not have a job. I appreciate the fact that everyone has problems to deal with in our daily lives, however, when you are at your place of employment, personal problems need to be left at home, in the car, outside the door or wherever but not dumped on the person spending their money for the merchandise. On the other hand, I've also seen some pretty bad behavior out of customers unloading on sales people, check out people, waiters, waitresses, etc., also. Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 07-11-2006, 11:29 PM (30 of 68)
|
It's easier to smile then to frown. Just turn that frown upside down and SMILE!!!! Some people thrive off of being rude, miserable and mean. I just ignore then and put them in their place. They can't get to you if you don't let them. If you do get in a huff then they ruined your day. No one has that kind of power over me. No one.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
|
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
|
From: SandyGirl
Date: 07-12-2006, 06:48 AM (31 of 68)
|
Wow! You ladies have such rotten experiences. I enjoy my local Walmart associate...she is professional and always in her department ready to help. My JoAnn's employs guys and gals who sew, quilt, etc. Yes, the guy comes from a family of quilters and he can certainly talk the talk!! My Hancocks is the same way. hhhhmmm. I am in Central Illinois and frequent 3 different Hancocks and JoAnns within a 100 mile radius(I travel a lot for my day job) and I can say that my experiences in each have been good ones. Look at Management..their standards may be low...just need body count to work there. sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-12-2006, 06:56 AM (32 of 68)
|
Ok, so I drove by Walmart on my way home - but ended up going back after 7 pm. My favorite lady was there - and I walked away with 12 yards. Woo Hoo! She told me they needed people in the Fabric Department - and I really love fabric. Just not sure I wnt to work part time for Walmart! I can just see me getting sucked into doing somthing other than fabrics . . . which is a definite NO. You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
|
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
|
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 07-13-2006, 01:16 PM (33 of 68)
| Looks like things are the same all over the country. First, I live 50 miles from any fabric store. There is a local WalMart but I don't purchase fabric there unless I'm in a real bind. I've worn out that bell with no response. I've been tempted to cut my own. I prefer to not purchase anything at WalMart but in this town we don't have a lot of options. I will go to Krogers and pay the extra vs. standing in the lines at WalMart. They never have enough registers open. If I go 50 miles one direction I'm in Louisville which has a Hancocks but there is one lady in there that is so rude. And they've gone to mostly decorator fabrics. Then if I go 50 miles the other direction I'm in Florence (Ky) and there is a JoAnn's that has a lot of good stuff but it is so crowded and dark. The clerks are helpful and patient knowing I'm going to be awhile. With the price of gas I'm doing most of my purchasing via the internet. |
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 07-13-2006, 02:26 PM (34 of 68)
|
I guess that I'm the lucky one here. I have a small shop here in town that is to die for with fabric!!!!!! Floor to ceiling, if it's not out front she will check the stock room, which is even bigger and floor to ceiling with fabrics!!!! They are only open Weds-Sat's 11am to 5PM and the prices are CHEAP!!! I go there as much as I can because the fabrics are very good quality. It's a family run place so you get to know the lady and she knows everyone that comes in. I have Jo-Ann's, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and other smaller shops but this is the best place I have ever found!!!! I have been trying like crazy to get them to do on-line sales, but she's not very computer savvy so I'm having problems. I don't think she realizes just how much her business would do in sales if she did this. Wish more of you lived near me so I could share this great place with you. They have plenty to go around and then room for more without running out any time soon!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Bama
Date: 07-13-2006, 02:27 PM (35 of 68)
|
It's easier to smile then to frown. Just turn that frown upside down and SMILE!!!! Some people thrive off of being rude, miserable and mean. I just ignore then and put them in their place. They can't get to you if you don't let them. If you do get in a huff then they ruined your day. No one has that kind of power over me. No one. Great attitude Susie. I try to think like that most of the time. (Except on those couple of PMS days each month. )
|
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-13-2006, 02:31 PM (36 of 68)
|
Sewhappie You are very lucky. There are a couple quilt shops not to far from me and a great little independent shop with a variety of fabrics, but she doesn't have a whole lot of stock on hand at one time. Keep supporting the independents when you are can. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 07-13-2006, 02:50 PM (37 of 68)
|
I just had to jump in here and add that I love my Wal-mart. Where else can I drop the van off for an oil change, have lunch, buy school supplies, and shop for fabric. Yesterday in just two short hours I did all that and might I add I got a nice bolt of brown twill on the dollar table and several cuts of ripstop (dollar table too) for hubby's rocket parachutes. My fabric ladies are all pretty nice and love their jobs or at least pretend to very well. I have two Wal-marts within five minutes of my house and several more within 30 minutes. I am Wal-mart spoiled. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Bama
Date: 07-13-2006, 03:37 PM (38 of 68)
|
yeah, me too. I hear all kinds of reasons why I shouldn't shop at Walmart, but to tell the truth, with 2 teenagers to feed, I can't afford to do most of my shopping anywhere else. I'm not going to pay $5 for a box of cereal at my local grocery store when I can get it for half that at Walmart. It's a shame, but it's the way it is nowadays. And it is very convenient to get groceries, school supplies, prescriptions, etc. all in one stop. I still support the smaller quilt shops when I can. They do have things I can't get at Walmart. It's just a much longer drive to get there. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-13-2006, 04:08 PM (39 of 68)
|
I actually had a parent at school tell me I'm unAmerican if I shop at Wal Mart. I just walked away & let her think what she wants. I shop where I can afford. Our Wal Mart is not a Super store so I don't buy my groceries there but our local discount store (Meijers) has gone to higher end merchandise (name brand) & the same items I used to pay $5 (T & polo shirts) for are now $20. I used to buy slip on summer shoes for $3 (2 yrs. ago) or less now the same shoes are $10 on sale. The worst part is the few things I have bought the quality was bad & either they shrunk in the wash or the seams would start raveling. The groceries are still cheaper but I stay away from their clothes. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-13-2006, 05:03 PM (40 of 68)
|
Well, at the risk of getting too political -- if every one can say why they love WalMart I can say why I shop elsewhere. I'll admit it's less convenient but I have Gary change my oil -- don't have a van to drop off, just a Mini Cooper. He is a great guy and feeds his family on the money he makes and so do his employees. It costs a little more but we make up for it when he says things like "I can do that but it should be covered by the warranty. Why don't you call the dealer first." I buy as many of my groceries as possible from a little co-op store. It's not really more expensive than the super market and is often locally grown. Much of it is organic. Imported stuff is fair trade. That is very important to me. It is really sad that so many people starve to death while Americans eat themselves to death. This time of year I buy a lot from the farmers' market. We also eat a lot of ethnic food from little neighborhood shops in Syracuse. And, of course, we have a very nice independently owned grocery store -- Tommy owns it. He's a fan of the same hockey team that I am. There are some things I can only find at one of the supermarkets but WalMart doesn't carry them either. I absolutely will not shop at WalMart but do go to some big box stores. Mom of Six -- I don't think you are unAmerican to shop at WalMart -- it's a very American thing to do. And, yes, I really miss that dollar fabric table. But I can do without. It's not worth the human suffering associated with it. I hope this isn't too political but with so many people loving WalMart the rest of us should be able to speak up too. I would never tell anyone not to shop there. It's your choice. It's a matter of what you value. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-13-2006, 05:49 PM (41 of 68)
|
I wish I had somewhere else to go - I live at least 45 min from any other store, unless I want a Wawa. After having nowehere else to go, a tight budget, and gas prices so high, you kind of get used to Walmart. I live in a historic little town, and it's so sad, the little stores I would have shopped at all closed before I moved here, except the barber. Last year the pizza place, bank, and pharmacy burned down. Waiting for those to reopen. I can imagine what it would be like if we could get the town going again. We have a library, one little ice cream stand that I can walk to, I love that. I'm not sure if any of you know what Turkey Hill is, but we have one of those too. Thats it. My town of Parkesburg! I guess we can all really try hard to do our part in supporting our towns, country, etc., I'll bet some of us would like the opportunity to have somewhere else to go, or afford somewhere else to go. I grew up dirt poor, as the saying goes. My mother would go without eating to feed us kids. I can remember we used to shop at the government food store, and the older teen boys would block our way to the store and poke fun at us for being poor. This was in the 70's people! As I sit here with tears in my eyes - filled with thankfulness - I am just glad to help provide for my family, and so blessed by everything God has given me, even if it is a Walmart. You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
|
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
|
From: Bama
Date: 07-13-2006, 05:52 PM (42 of 68)
|
Dorothy, I think it's fine for you to share your opinion too. It gives us all more to think about.  We also still use a mechanic who has his own private business. Hubby hates the automotive department at Walmart. And we buy produce from local fruit stands and the farmer's market when we don't grow it ourselves. We buy seeds and pet supplies at the local Farmer's co-op. And gas from our local station. But I do spend alot of my paycheck at Walmart. I feel I have no other choice.  It costs alot to feed teenagers.
|
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-13-2006, 06:49 PM (43 of 68)
|
No Dorothy I don't take offense. I agree everyone has a right to their opinion but when it is forced on another that is when I get upset. I went back to Wal Mart today to get some solid to match the baby shower fabric I bought with my 40% coupon at Jo Anns the other day. They had they exact fabric & it was $3.96 instead of $6.99. I paid less today than with the 40% off. I bought enough to make a cotton receiving blanket & an organizer for the nursery (to hold powder, lotion, etc.). Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: MJADAA
Date: 07-13-2006, 07:00 PM (44 of 68)
i'm in canada so maybe its different but my mother in law worked for walmart for three years and they were great to her!I love the fabric section and i also love that a they hire older and disabled people so they get a thumbs up from me! 
|
User: MJADAA
Member since: 03-09-2006 Total posts: 22 |
From: MrsSnuggly
Date: 07-13-2006, 07:25 PM (45 of 68)
|
I'm with Dorothy - although i won't tell you where to shop or who to vote for, I will tell you to research and make at least semi informed choices 9and that you should vote ). I used to work at a grocery that is a national chain - its amazing the amount of food that is wasted. And then they arrested this guy for taking it out of the dumpster one night. I have the luxury of other options so I will not shop at Walmart except for fabric and even then I'm super picky, so hardly ever. Here's a small reason why i don't like walmart. Our Walmarts (in CA)don't offer health insurance and starts at $6.25/hr. That's min wage in CA. I have yet to figure out how anyone can live on that - especially without insurance - in CA. There's quite a few other reasons - like the nazi ads they had to pull 2 years ago (who on earth thought THAT was a good idea?) but that gets ugly. I really feel quite a few of you are lucky you can get such nice stuff closer to your homes. At least you're still sewing!!! B~ |
User: MrsSnuggly
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 104 |
From: vickki
Date: 07-13-2006, 08:45 PM (46 of 68)
|
We just have this super store opened in our community called Piece Makers that's where I do the quilting course.The salespeople are excellent and so is the service...The fabric is superior to anything in our city.I just love it...She has names galore waiting to do quilting.They do not teach garnment making sure wish they did.
|
User: vickki
Member since: 08-21-2005 Total posts: 374 |
From: esrun3
Date: 07-13-2006, 09:32 PM (47 of 68)
|
I'd be thrilled to death to be able to shop at a farmer's market or a small fabric/quilt shop however, those are not available in the are of Phoenix that I live, plus there just isn't much you can buy produce wise here in the summer. I don't do much food shopping at Walmart as the local grocery is about the same price but we do buy a fair amount of clothing, etc there. They are close and way cheaper than a lot of places. You buy/shop where you can afford. I don't know how anyone, anywhere lives on minimum wage anymore (ours is $5.15) and I know that Walmart is bad about insurance and working people full time, etc but I do what I need to do to keep my family clothed and fed. I occasionally buy fabric there-depends on what I want and what I want it for. My only other options are Joanns and Hancocks and neither has great fabric selections anymore. I too do more and more shopping on line. Lyn
|
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: glamma1940
Date: 07-13-2006, 09:55 PM (48 of 68)
| When I lived in Salt Lake City, UT, about 2 yrs ago, I worked for a quilting & sewing machine shop. Not only did I have to learn about all the Bernina, Brother, & Janome sewing machines so I could sell them without sounding like a dummy, but, I was expected to know about sewing too. When I was interviewed, I was asked questions about sewing & quilting so they could see what I knew that would help customers. All of us were asked everyday by customers, about quilt sizes, binding, batting, whatever, & we had to know how to answer. If we didn't know, we found someone who did. We never had complaints from the customers. It was a fun job & I miss it. I too, hate Wal-Mart. I do go there once in a while, but only when I absolutely have to. My youngest daughter is very political & just won't ever go there because of the way they do business & treat their employees. She works as a collecter for a freight company & says Wal-Mart is always late with payments & she is always calling them. I long for the small fabric shops they used to have. We do have a good one here in Phoenix--called Sally's. They are very helpful & have nice fabric. I don't like JoAnn's either. |
User: glamma1940
Member since: 08-11-2005 Total posts: 21 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-13-2006, 11:01 PM (49 of 68)
|
Around here it is almost impossible to find a job with benifits unless you have a degree (I don't). I work in a union job & must pay dues every payday ( they doubled in the last yr.)but I don't get benifits because they keep our hrs. just under 6 which is where benifits start. This yr I was lucky & got my job done in my alotted time most of the time. But the first yr. I never got done on time ( I always finished though) & it was in my job description that I needed to find a way to get it done in my alotted time also if I want a day off I have to find my own sub (the only job in the district that does). My union president doesn't see this as a problem & last yr. I lost my job because the union OKed a bending of the rules so I got layed off for a 1/2 yr. until they fired someone that never did finish her paperwork in 1 1/2 yrs. Can you tell I am not a fan of unions! Right now I don't know if I will have a job to go back to in the fall as they are talking privatizetion. I should now in the next couple of weeks. I do like my job! I just don't like the politics of it.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 07-14-2006, 12:37 AM (50 of 68)
|
The new Walmart in Chalmette had people who knew about the sewing department even the ones that didn't sew knew enough to help you with what you needed. Now that i'm in Kentwood I find the independant shops are much better as far as quality goes. I have three that I've found so far.........give me time I'm sure I can find more of them. Sometimes I can get something good at Walmart cheaper but not like the Bastik's at the independents and the Thimbleberries. Also at the independent shops they give classes and have projects to work on for you there. As far as groceries I use to go to WalMart to shop in Chalmette sometimes but most of the time I went to an independent grocery called IGA (Indepenent Grocery's Assoc.) which had groceries cheaper than most of the larger chains and the quality was as good or better. They bought from local farmers when they could and most of the time it was from farmers in the Chalmette area. I love my Walmart still but would support the local people if it meant them going out of business. I haven't brought fabric from Walmart since I've been here except for maybe once the rest of the time I got my fabric from independent people. Like most said Walmart just has everything and with gas being the way it is and having to cut corners with the paycheck and short on time I can use all the short cuts I can get. Dorothy everyone has their own ideas on this don't feel like you're being political it's the way you feel and no one should get offended with your choice. And if they do > (giving the razzzzzz) We are American's and have that right don't we? Hugs to you
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
|
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118
|
From: SummersEchos
Date: 07-14-2006, 08:44 AM (51 of 68)
|
I don't shop at WalMarts either. I have been in WalMarts when I go out with other people but I don't shop there. Durning the spring summer and part of fall we can go to the farmers little markets and get great veggies and fruit. Since I am taking care of my mom at her house they have a strict rules no veggie gardens, I am in total heaven going to these. When I was younger and raising my family of 7 I had a cow butchered and cut and packaged the way I wanted it. Had a huge freezer and it all went into that. I know that isn't common anymore and I was lucky enough to know someone who raised cows and would do this. Fabric stores around me, well I have 5 JoAnn's 3 Hancocks and quilt shops all within a 15/20 mile radius of me. They all have their good and bad points. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Carol in ME
Date: 07-15-2006, 10:19 AM (52 of 68)
|
I'm amazed that everyone goes on about Wal*mart...and totally ignore the fact that most retail businesses work the same way, and have for years. I used to work for a department store in a mall....Very few full-time people, most part-time. Had to work full-time for a year before benefits kicked in. People in some departments worked 45 hours a week leading up to Christmas, but paid for forty hours in the weeks after to compensate. Wal*mart was unheard of in the Northeast then, so no, the department store didn't have to operate this way to be competitive. And I wager any store one walks into in any shopping center has the same policies. I don't see anyone picketing Macy's, Sears, Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Abercombie and Fitch, Target, J. C. Penneys, Craftmania, Micheal's, Fashion Bug. For that matter, I suspect Jo-ann's and Hancock's are heavy on part-time help who don't get benefits, either. I know for a fact that's how So-Fro operated: I worked for them. Retail is a hard way to make a living. Had I worked retail earlier in my life, I'd have been more motivated to get a degree. As a matter of fact, the store I work for now has the same policies. My guess is there are about 40 employees in our store. Perhaps a half-dozen are full- time. Four of those are alterations specialists; but you have to offer something to attact hard to find talent. Even the assistant managers have second jobs. The down side to full time at current store: you must work two nights a week, and weekends. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-15-2006, 10:41 AM (53 of 68)
|
You're right, Carol, but WalMart sets the standard both at home and internationally. There is nothing I can do to change the value system in this country or the way we do business but I can feebly protest by not shopping at WalMart. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews
Date: 07-15-2006, 12:45 PM (54 of 68)
|
Once a month, DH and I shop at Wal-Mart for our groceries. In our large community, there are very few non-chain stores and nothing within close proximity. Unfortunately, this Wal-Mart has a very skimpy sewing department and the elderly gentleman that works there doesn't know anything about fabrics. He just measures the way he was shown and cuts. So there isn't anything sewing related to inspire me in that store. However, I do like the fact that dog food is $4 cheaper than the neighborhood grocery and I can get household items, gifts, vitamins, shampoo, etc in one trip. When one is handicapped, this makes a big difference. Target offers the same type of service but is about $3 - $5 higher on most items. One of the ladies at Wal-Mart in the photo department said that she was paid double time to work holidays and it was voluntarily. Not having worked for the company, I do not know what their internal policies are but I do appreciate the good service and value of products that is offered to the customer. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
|
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
|
From: toadusew
Date: 07-21-2006, 12:39 PM (55 of 68)
|
Ladies, I'm going to chime in here. I am originally from Arkansas and back when Wal Mart first started, it provided a great service. Everybody knew who Mr. Sam was and he had high standards for his stores. He would be very upset to know the reputation Wal Mart currently has if he were alive today. My husband and I do shop Wal Mart because so many things (toiletries) are cheaper than in the grocery stores. However, we have been very disappointed in the stores both back in Dallas and here in northern Virginia. This brings me to my point...my husband went to Wal Mart about 3 days ago and got so disgusted that he e-mailed Wal Mart a letter of complaint via their corporate website. We figured no one would respond, so imagine my surprise when my husband got a call from the manager of the local store this morning! This means that corporate Wal Mart does listen/read their e-mails and I'm sure that this manager was told to call us. He is evidently fairly new and also isn't happy with the way this particular store has been run. This restored a bit of our faith in Wal Mart. Of course, things do need to change a lot, but evidently Wal Mart does listen, so perhaps if everyone that is displeased would write a well thought out, business like letter or e-mail to corporate headquarters, things might start changing --one step at a time. I'm sure it got Corporate's attention when my husband included the comment that "Sam Walton would be spinning in his grave if he knew what was going on with Wal Mart" And also, my husband used the line "What would Sam think?" Now if everybody e-mails and starts using the same wording, Corporate might not be as inclined to listen, but if you write letters/e-mails describing the conditions of the store, poor customer service, etc, you might be surprised! We're hoping that this means that despite appearances, Wal Mart truly does care what its customer base, or previous or potential customer base thinks. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: toadusew
Date: 07-21-2006, 12:59 PM (56 of 68)
|
The manager of our local Wal Mart told my hubby this morning that he planned to have a meeting with his management team this morning, and that there will be change! This manager has been the manager at other Wal Mart stores in the country and wants this store to be run correctly. He told my husband that he would like to meet him in person (hubby) and thanked hubby for being a customer. Hopefully, we'll see change soon in our local store. Hubby also reminded me that we both went to school with folks who went to work for Wal Mart while in college or right after college and most of them moved up the ranks to manager pretty quickly. It was well known that Wal Mart did move you around a lot. |
User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-21-2006, 01:06 PM (57 of 68)
|
Most people that refuse to shop at WalMart are not concerned about the way they, as customers, are treated. The issue is bigger than self. It's a matter of personal values. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-21-2006, 04:25 PM (58 of 68)
|
My dh refuses to shop at Wal-Mart because he has been exposed to their business practices first hand of bilking their vendors out of money and/or refusing to pay their bills at all and because when they move into an area instead of entering into the fair market with other retail businesses, they deliberately set out to put every merchant in that area that might compete with them in any way, out of business. Also, I've noticed that the longer a Wal-Mart store is in any area the dirtier and more jumbled it seems to get. I've bought a few things as far as grocery items at Wal-Mart but for the most part, I prefer not to grocery shop in a Wal-Mart. It doesn't seem to me, at least in the super-centers I've been in, that they care a whole lot about cleanliness in their deli and meat areas. I've seen people handling food in the deli area of a couple of them that didn't even bother to put on the plastic gloves or change them once they had handled a food item and needed to handle another item and when I see flies in a deli or meat case area you can count me as being "gone". Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: boop
Date: 07-22-2006, 06:31 PM (59 of 68)
|
This is a little off subject, but I will never step foot in a JoAnn's again. My husband and I went to one about 3 years ago, and we didn't 3 steps in the store when we were rudely told the store closed in 10 minutes. Well, you can guess we turned around, walked out and have never been back. That episode left such a bad taste in my mouth. Whatever happened to "the customer is always right", and treating customers with total respect??
|
User: boop
Member since: 07-11-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-23-2006, 08:13 AM (60 of 68)
|
I've worked in Customer Service for many years, working for the government you have to what you can or cannot say to some people. I think we all have stories of places we've shopped, eaten, etc. where CS is just horrible. I've changed auto repairmen, doctors, where I shop, and most all I stopped being silent. Speaking up makes a huge difference - even if you file your complaints online. You will be suprised at how many people will call you back after filing a complaint. If I don't get a response, I don't go back. I feel that the customer should always come first. The Customer may NOT always be right, BUT the trick to CS is making them feel like they are right, and still reconciling the situation to the benefit of both parties. Too many retail shops do not train their staff in CS - they teach them to run a register and throw them in at minimum wage. I try to turn the tables on the grumpy ones - I am sweet and nice (well, ok, most of time) and tell them to have a nice day or hope they have better day. I ask them "Are you having a bad day?". Smother them with niceties! When I meet someone nice, usually someone young that really needs the job and is just happy to smile and have a job, I ALWAYS thank them for being so cheerful and nice, and tell them it does not go un-noticed. When I return - that person is ALWAYS nice to me, even if they are having a bad day because I took the time to be nice to them. One person can make a difference - one person, one day at a time.
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
|
User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257
|
From: Carol in ME
Date: 07-29-2006, 09:55 AM (61 of 68)
|
"I used to work for a department store in a mall....Very few full-time people, most part-time. Had to work full-time for a year before benefits kicked in. People in some departments worked 45 hours a week leading up to Christmas, but paid for forty hours in the weeks after to compensate. Wal*mart was unheard of in the Northeast then, so no, the department store didn't have to operate this way to be competitive. " This was twenty years ago, actually, and Wal*mart was practically unheard of, so indeed, they were not in fact setting the standard then. Nor are they now...that's just the point. The majority of retail chains have always operated in this way. I "did my time" at Walmart over last Christmas. Mind you, I didn't like the job, but the company treated me like any other retail company. With 30-odd years in the workforce, I was working well before Walmart became the lightening rod for everyone's wrath. I have work experience that allows me to "compare and contrast." There is ample opportunity to move up at our local Wal*mart, even without a four-year degree. That is something that other retail chains do not offer. Some of my former colleagues had worked their way into jobs they were quite happy with. Some of my former colleagues came there from locally owned stores whose wages were lower. I don't know of anyone who was paid minimum wage: even the cart-pushers got more than that. I heard, however, that a store 15 miles away had a different (higher, actually) pay scale than ours. Of course, any store, chain or not, can have a really good manager, or a really bad manager. I still work in retail, for more than I made at WM. But I'm using a specialized skill for which they had no use. I have no benefits from this company, other than the employee discount, which I don't foresee using. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-29-2006, 10:03 AM (62 of 68)
|
Harper's magazine has a great piece on WalMart's business practices, nationally and internationally, and the effects on the economy and people's attitudes and values. They don't, however, deal with how the store treats you. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Tenlyn
Date: 07-30-2006, 04:15 PM (63 of 68)
|
Wow I feel bad for all of you that have had a bad experiance at JoAnns. The one I go to in Topsham Maine is great! I even called the Bangor store for a fabric none of the others had and I had it in three days! As customers, we all love to help each other pick, and match fabrics and always want to know each other are working on.And the best part........we can send our husbands across the street to Home Depot and spend more time at JoANNS!!! Happy sewing, Linda |
User: Tenlyn
Member since: 02-26-2003 Total posts: 2 |
From: sews4love
Date: 07-30-2006, 05:15 PM (64 of 68)
|
Well, after reading all the posts, I feel I must put in my 2 cents also. I shopped at Wal-Mart, back when their slogan was "Everything is made in the USA." I wanted to back our country and help support our population. Then things started going down hill and I noticed more and more items were not made in the USA. So, I only bought items that were made here. Then, I saw a show about Wal-Mart on PBS and I was so disgusted I have not put me foot in Wal-Mart since. That was about 4 years ago. I also tell any of my friends that will listen all about the show. As said by Butterflyf71 One person can make a difference - one person, one day at a time. Molly |
User: sews4love
Member since: 05-20-2006 Total posts: 57 
|
From: blackie
Date: 07-30-2006, 11:12 PM (65 of 68)
|
I refuse to shop at Walmart for their global (supporting slave labor), environmental, and personnel business practices. I also don't shop there because I think it helps keep Americans spoiled - we have this sense of entitlement that we "should" get the cheapest stuff WHEN we need it and AT OUR CONVENIENCE. But I don't judge those who shop there. I'd hate for someone to peek in my life and judge me for what I do! I am always interested in hearing of a more ethical or environmental way to conduct my life. However I like to be approached with gentleness and a recipricol interest in what my stance is. Sorry for the tangent! see the mundane life of a housewife.
|
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: stephi
Date: 07-31-2006, 10:37 AM (66 of 68)
|
By all means it your right to shop where you want. I do a once every 6-8 weeks grocery shopping binge at walmart and BJ's store. If there was any where else that wasnt a 30 mile drive to get fabric I would because the fabric at walmart is cheaper than at an actual fabric store. I hate that they are killing these small novelty shops with all thier nooks and crannies. I have a baby consignment shop I go into all the time and that lady is being killed by the walmart. Her consignment prices are cheap for the high QUALITY Clothes she has but walmart has baby clothes for $5.99 and people dont look at anything but the price. I bought my D a hand smocked dress and my Niece two gorgeous buster brown outfits with the tags still on them for $25...for all of it!! And I know that these clothes wont rip or stain easy like those cheap walmart ones do. So yes I do shop walmart, but only for what I have to/when I have to.
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
|
From: blackie
Date: 07-31-2006, 10:55 AM (67 of 68)
|
This generalization just hit a nerve because I don't know what you're referencing as the "typical" American and whether or not anyone fits that peg. I can see it did hit a nerve! I guess we can just agree to disagree on a few points. I don't fault Americans just for being Americans. I do know many Americans who give generously and who also regularly thank God / the cosmos / whomever for our good fortune compared to many others in the world. I don't mean to say anything specific about anyone specific; I am talking about a general air of entitlement I see around me and one I struggle with as well. I am happy to be an American. We'd better get off the subject - I think we're bordering on the dreaded "politics" post! see the mundane life of a housewife.
|
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: SewingNewbie
Date: 07-31-2006, 12:23 PM (68 of 68)
|
I joined hancocks fabrics mailing list and occationally you get free shipping with your purchases or 20%, basically they send special offers. You might want to try that! BTW - when you sign-up you get free shipping with your first purchase. Not sure if this helps but thought I'd mention it. |
User: SewingNewbie
Member since: 07-29-2006 Total posts: 34 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-19577.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft