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I was recently in a Michaels store. I was not finding anything I was looking for, and the manager stopped and asked me if he could help me find something. At that moment I was looking for the dies, so I told them I couldn't find the die section. He said, oh we don't carry dies anymore. I was caught off guard and asked why not? He said crafting is going in a different direction. I didn't think for one second before blurting out, no it isn't! The manager didn't seem to like my reaction, and said they hadn't carried dies in over a year. I composed myself and said thank you. I shopped for 20 minutes more and then I left the store after spending $6.
I think that was the smallest purchase I have ever made at Michaels. It really got me to thinking. Why am I finding nothing I want to purchase in Michaels? Is crafting really going in a different direction, or is Michaels going in a different direction? This particular Michaels is in a busy strip mall, but two stores were newly closed in this mall. I couldn't help but wonder if Michaels will be the next store to close the doors in this area.
Lately it seems that every email I receive from Michaels is kids crafts. I get that it is summer and lots of people are looking to keep kids busy, but I also see they are hoping to be your go to place for school supplies. Is Michaels turning into a kids store? Are they going to stop selling crafting supplies for adults? I see they are really enhancing their Cricut supplies. That seems to have been happening for quite some time, yet I never see anyone in the Cricut aisle???
I keep wondering if I am completely out of touch with crafting? Is it going in a different direction, and if so, what direction is that? I still look to buy dies, especially interactive, and layering dies. Am I the only one doing this? What do you think?
Last edited by annie*; 07-29-2021 at 11:36 AM..
Reason: Spacing
I just looked online and they have NO dies. They have the cutting plates, but everything is for the Cricut, Silhouette, and even the Brother Scan and Cut machine. I guess they think most people are using electronic machines.
__________________ Lisa Featured Stamper #671 Love sending BRAK cards. Dirty Dozen Alumni.CC927 Favorite Virtual Stamp Night April 19 - 20 Come Join in the Fun Here
I think Michaels' crafting is going their own directions. They definitely are not at all in touch with what we and all the bloggers online are doing! Dies and stamps and stencils that match...and all the variety that is available nowadays...well...that would cost a small fortune to stay in touch with it. They probably decided it's not worth it to them to even try to keep up.
They've been scaling back on it for years. If they had bothered replenishing supplies on a regular basis, I would have been happy to purchase more from them but it was always the same old-same old and a lot of empty slots.I heard this same opinion from my crafty friends in the area, as well.
More recently, they seem to have heavily invested in all things Cricut.
Michael's, IMO, is trying to compete with Hobby Lobby in the home dec field. They offer less craft supplies and stock more seasonal and general stuff for walls and knick knacks. I was at a Michael's yesterday that looked like it was in the process of closing, two entire sections blocked off and many empty rows. They had the few things that were on my list but it was tough finding things. They had TWO rows of Cricut materials and accessories but little else for paper crafting. One very large section was being stocked with fall/Halloween decor. I see the future of the chain and it is not for me.
Mary Beth
The following 10 users liked this post by lutheran:
Isn't it frustrating that stores seem to think they have all the answers of what customers want, instead of simply asking us what we would like to buy? The store I was in had almost a half a row of glitter, and two plus rows of just paper. That didn't even include the paper packs, just the multicolor and specialty paper. We all need paper, but think about how long a pack lasts. The home décor works really well for Hobby Lobby, but they have huge stores with a lot of other supplies. Most Michaels are just not big enough to carry the same selection. Maybe they have it figured out, but it won't be my go-to store if they continue on this path.
I went in yesterday (and like you) left with spending maybe $5 on a small Halloween stamp set. I will say papercrafting seems to have changed over the years in general. I don't see much patterned paper being used but now it's more about building a background (using inks/stencils/etc) and lots of die cutting. Back when I started really the only dies were your shapes. Now it's like every stamp set comes with dies. They don't know the pain of fussy cutting out your images. I do a LOT more of my shopping online because the local craft stores just don't carry much any more.
The following 4 users liked this post by troopersma:
I don't think my Michael's even has stamps anymore. I rarely go in there anymore!
Yes, their stamp selection has decreased with every visit that I make. The last time I was there, about a month ago, they barely had a stamping section. I only went in to buy glue but was pretty shocked at how it's changed. Our JoAnns craft store is further away, but I may start going there instead.
Karen
I just noticed that both Michaels and JoAnns have a lot of dies available online, but none, or very few in the stores. I wait for a free shipping special from JoAnns and buy then. Haven't seen free shipping from Michaels, but then again I never checked because our Michaels is so close.It doesn't matter how close it is though, if they don't carry what I want.
All of my friends own Cricuts, or even, multiple electronic die cutting machines. However, I still use my trusty Big Shot so have no use for Cricut supplies. I buy all my dies online so really hadn't noticed that they stopped selling them completely.
Karen
I have been a member of Spellbinders small die of the month club - back when it was Makers Mart around 2016 or so. They have just changed their pricing..: price jumped from $12.50 to $15.00 a little while back, and just this month they have added 90 cents tax - so the SDOM is now $15.90. THEN, they changed their shipping. Whatever date your credit card was charged, your package was shipped the next day. NOW, no matter what day you joined, all kits are now shipped from the 20th to the end of the month. I just received my die today (29th), previously getting it around the 12-13th of every month. They now have one shipping date. So, that months kit won't arrive until about the day before or the day the NEXT months die is announced (always on the 1st). Then, topping that off, they upgraded their packaging, and it's a fancier envelope (very eye catching) but the die is MUCH thinner than the other dies. Doesn't make sense. Where is the quality of their products besides customer service?? Very, extremely frustrating. I might consider ordering the knock-off dies on Ali Express... thought I was being a loyal customer by staying with Spellbinders (which, by the way, states "made in China" anyway on the packaging). Sad - I've been paper crafting over 40 years and it has become very disappointing lately. Tuesday Morning used to have a decent die and stamp selection, but after many of their stores closed in the bankruptcy last year, their craft section has been cut in half. I have no other craft stores near me.
My plea to you... Please don't purchase from companies who steal designs. Purchase elsewhere with legit companies so that designers are compensated and this industry stays in business.
I was going to start a similar thread as I went shopping for flower dies this week and came home empty handed :( Did not find anything I wanted and came home depressed & with a headache.
I went to 2 Michaels, a JoAnns and a Tuesday Morning and found zero dies at any of the three stores. Honestly TM had virtually no crafting supplies. HL does still have some dies, etc but I'm wondering for how much longer if the other big box stores don't carry them.
It's a sad day indeed when the so called "craft supply" stores (Michaels, Joann, and even Hobby lobby) have abandoned a craft that is still so popular. Out of touch? Oh yes! I miss my Craft Warehouse in Wenatchee. I would drive 150 miles with my list, as I knew they would have what I needed. Stickles glitter glue in individual bottles, not having to buy a whole set if I only need one color! Sadly, they closed their doors a few years ago-just couldn't compete with the bigger stores I guess.
I too, will stick with my Big Shot. Tried and true it doesn't have any issues that require an electrician or tons more money to upgrade to the latest model. Over 10 years old and still has great pressure to go over dies that are as old. Clean cuts every time! Many of my friends have electronic machines, and for most part they say the machines are ok. I prefer to be able to cut my own, and have more control over what is being done, and to be able to say I "really" made it myself.
The so called Home decor at the BIG stores, of which most I pretty awful (what they call furniture is garbage and no better than cheap, cheap, maybe last a year junk. My sister in law has bought countless pieces, spent lots of money to just replace the stuff in a few months. The artwork is just not current with trends, but lends to farmhouse or very modern. Not in keeping with the local community they serve. As far as crafting of all kinds and papercrafting, they have really taken themselves off the market. Gearing more to kids projects it seems. I was in a Michael's just as the Pandemic was really taking hold (before shutdowns) in Washington state and was severely disappointed in what they had. Left buying nothing.
The following 2 users liked this post by auntiof8:
I received a gift card to M's and Js for Moms day this year, I did find a pad of Arches 100% cotton watercolor paper at M's ( not the one in the town I live in the one that is 80+ miles away) I still have my J's card... :mrgreen:
Yes please-do not support companies that steal other people's work. Whether or not to buy American only is another question.
We have been bemoaning for years now that our aisles were shrinking/disappearing...the inventory was stale at best anyway. So it was like a snake eating its own tail...you don't drive sales that way and in the office they are just looking at numbers. No one is getting in a car for an hour for that. Which drove many of us to convert to online.
I keep thinking how could corp buyers think we are dying on the vine if they go to the big expos? They have to see that sales are still high in the millions if not billions. TH is not going to keep launching colors...that involves what? 8 products each time? I suspect they don't. They may go to big general craft trade shows but not ones more dedicated to specific sub genres so they don't see the whole picture.
But it does require a person who knows what is up....think of this...I am a gen craft buyer for say Michaels.....even if you tell me what a bone folder is....why would I not think it is just a gimmick and people are perfectly able to fold paper without one? (I used my scissor handles for years myself lol) Do I *get* the brush end of the SB tool in one to knock out pieces in detailed dies?
We discuss all the time if new product is worth it's salt/just convenience/or just total fluff.
When you have 1000 stores, to outfit them with all the colors of a new ink line...is serious money. On the other hand...if it was me... If I only take one stamp set but I am ordering 10 thousand, a company is going to be thrilled.
I am wondering if that is a problem. Only really big companies may be able to take an order like that....every one is slaved to the factories. If companies are sharing them too...look at Simon Says. They are a dedicated seller and they so often sell out of product that I am personally convinced they don't keep a lot of most things. I get it. If you have 10K different items....when I get a "Bark" that something is back in-they will tell me they only got 4 of them. It is a lot of money tied up. Kind of like a Catch-22. I bet they have empty warehouse pick boxes all the time but we don't see it.
I just keep trying to support my LSS...she has some online stuff and I have been doing since Covid. Her prices can be higher with NYC rent and add shipping but she also gets some cool stuff big guys don't get.
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
The following 5 users liked this post by wavejumper:
That manager sounds like a Moron! ;) Honestly, it sounds like he doesn't know what he's talking about and just working for a paycheck.
Of course crafting is going in a different direction. Duh! Skills change, things evolve, & old trends become new again. Stores using "Different direction" excuse IMO seems lazy. I mean by lazy they are not going in a different direction that would make a profit for their store.
Scrapbook.com is hot, Michael's is not! I bet SimonSays stamps is doing great right now. Why? Because online ordering is more popular than Brick & Mortar.
Every time I go over to Michael's website they tell me to pick up at store. I am like "No I am not!" Yes, it's partly due to Covid but I live far away from Michael's. That is just another hassle & stress in my life that I can avoid by going to a different online store that will send things to my home.
Even though HL has it's drama's least I can order from them and they send it to my home. I do still go in store to Hobby Lobby because it's close to me. Not like I used too. I prefer to order online.
Don't even get me started about WalMart telling me to pick up at store! ROFL!
Remember not even a decade ago you would see these huge Michael's hauls on YouTube & the past three years it's bigger hauls from Hobby Lobby & Scrapbook.com.
Michael's is going in a different direction that is going to cause them to go in the bankruptcy direction. I do like Michael's & hope that doesn't happen but that is their decision if they do. My heart goes out to the employees & managers caught up in that drama.
I have both electronic & manual die cutting systems. I love them both for different reasons. I do agree Cricut is cornering the market. Stores like Michael's giving them large displays just hurts Michael's in the long run & bigger profit for Cricut. I am not slamming Cricut in any way shape or form. I actually like the Cricut machines & recommend them for certain type of crafters.
Michael's is making bad decisions, giving lame excuses to the customer's & sinking themselves, IMO.
Note- I didn't include JoAnn because I know they have a huge online presence for years. Their Brick & Mortar store policies are trendy and up to date, even when you have to pick up at store. ;)
The only things I've been buying at Michael's lately are jewelry making supplies and storage. I might buy some yarn or cake decorating products occasionally. As for scrapbooking and stamping supplies, I buy almost all of them either online or at a scrapbook store that is an hour (and a toll) away. I try to support the scrapbook store, but the prices are high. The owner also bundles all the stamp sets with the coordinating dies, and you have to buy both.
I just looked online and they have NO dies. They have the cutting plates, but everything is for the Cricut, Silhouette, and even the Brother Scan and Cut machine. I guess they think most people are using electronic machines.
I was recently in a Michaels store. I was not finding anything I was looking for, and the manager stopped and asked me if he could help me find something. At that moment I was looking for the dies, so I told them I couldn't find the die section. He said, oh we don't carry dies anymore. I was caught off guard and asked why not? He said crafting is going in a different direction. I didn't think for one second before blurting out, no it isn't! The manager didn't seem to like my reaction, and said they hadn't carried dies in over a year. I composed myself and said thank you. I shopped for 20 minutes more and then I left the store after spending $6.
I think that was the smallest purchase I have ever made at Michaels. It really got me to thinking. Why am I finding nothing I want to purchase in Michaels? Is crafting really going in a different direction, or is Michaels going in a different direction? This particular Michaels is in a busy strip mall, but two stores were newly closed in this mall. I couldn't help but wonder if Michaels will be the next store to close the doors in this area.
Lately it seems that every email I receive from Michaels is kids crafts. I get that it is summer and lots of people are looking to keep kids busy, but I also see they are hoping to be your go to place for school supplies. Is Michaels turning into a kids store? Are they going to stop selling crafting supplies for adults? I see they are really enhancing their Cricut supplies. That seems to have been happening for quite some time, yet I never see anyone in the Cricut aisle???
I keep wondering if I am completely out of touch with crafting? Is it going in a different direction, and if so, what direction is that? I still look to buy dies, especially interactive, and layering dies. Am I the only one doing this? What do you think?
No you're not. I've found the same thing at Michaels. I went there to get cutting plates for my Big Shot and they said they don't carry them anymore. For years I always got them there. Also, all types of craft stuff I was used to getting there has been discontinued, like certain ink pads, dies, etc. I am really disappointed in Michaels and hope they have a change of heart. Also, they advertise that you can order on line and pick up at store. I assumed it was like Walmart, where you order on line and pick up at store with no shipping fees. No! You have to pay something like $6.99 shipping and pick it up at store Well what good is that. You might as well have it delivered to your home if you have to pay a shipping fee!
Crafting going in Different Direction - I think not
I have noticed that there were very few dies at Michaels. Joanns and Hobby Lobby still carry about the same stock as always, maybe more at Joanns. If crafting is going in a different direction, someone should tell all of our YouTube vloggers about it. They are going strong.
I might consider ordering the knock-off dies on Ali Express... thought I was being a loyal customer by staying with Spellbinders (which, by the way, states "made in China" anyway on the packaging).
Please don't support ********** -- they steal designs from American and European companies and the quality of their dies is iffy. And if you look at the packaging, virtually all companies have their dies made in China, although they control the quality better than **********. It's just not cost-effective to have dies made in the U.S., sadly.
__________________ Diana B
-We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all. ~John Hughes
The following 9 users liked this post by LemurLover:
Our store is the same way. I have not been in there is over a 1.5 years and I have a gift card to use but with limited scrapbooking supplies it is making it hard to use. I have more than once complained to them about their lack of supplies. It is a shame since they are just right up the street and cannot even use them.
I concur with previous comments. In addition, I learned from my store manager months ago that Tuesday Morning will no longer sell crafts! I didn’t believe it at first but sure enough, now their shelves are empty. The manager said, “our new CEO only wants to sell big ticket items such as rugs and furniture.” I told her he is making a huge mistake because many of us come to store to buy crafts and happen to see other items which we also buy!
Michael's is out of touch. 50% of the papercrafting department carries cricut and vinyl which is really not papercrafting. I rarely shop at Michael's. Only if I need some adhesive. They have nothing else that interests me. My local scrapbook store sells plenty of dies, stamps and my favorite mixed media supplies. I prefer to shop there. And buy everything else online from Scrapbook.com or directly from the company that makes the product.
I'm wondering if it may also have to do with the fact that many of us buy our supplies directly from the manufacturers. We didn't use to have that option and therefore we relied on retail stores and big box craft suppliers. I suppose there is good and bad in that. Sadly, Michael's has quit carrying most stamps and dies on-line and in stores. If I walk through my Michael's, I see an aisle dedicated to planners, two aisles for Cricut, and one aisle with one tiny section of awful Michael's branded stamps. There isn't even much of the more popular lines like Tim Holtz. They seem to have missed the fact that many of us want to see and touch our supplies in person, and if y'all are like me, you would probably impulse buy things that catch your eye! I buy basics at Michael's and that's about it. Paper packs when they are on sale or offer rewards, adhesives I use that they still carry and sometimes art papers. Everything else is so expensive, I just skip it. Joann's still carries quite a bit online, but it irritates me when they have a "sale" and jack the regular prices up so much that the sale price becomes the same as the regular price. Do they think we aren't smart enough to recognize that shady little tactic? I miss the days of brick and mortar stamp and scrapbook stores. All of them are gone now where I live. I try to always find them when I travel, but they are sparse everywhere now. I miss walking into a shop and being inspired by all of the stamps, inks, embossing powders, papers and crafty goodness around me. I spent lots and lots of money on things I never planned to buy just because I walked through a door! Not sure how we get the word out to the big stores about our shopping habits and preferences, but I am grateful we can support our stamp and die manufacturers directly. Maybe eliminating the "middle man" is beneficial in the long run, but I'm not gonna lie, it makes me sad!
Went there Sunday with my mom, she was looking for wire to make herself a rosary. Found it and started looking at other stuff. The dies have a small section and I never see anything I like or looking for. Before I was looking for a banner /flag with sentiment stamps. I found it at Hobby Lobby Spellbinders, All Ocassion Sentiments but it was $30! I found a new set on EBay for $16, score!!! Lol! Even the stamps sets are not what it used to be either. I remember coming cause they would always have an end cap with stamps, dies, 6x6 paper pad, stickers, embellishments for that theme or brand. Come to think of it, I didn’t see any Recollections at all. Hmm. I don’t buy Cricut as much anymore and when I looked, the $5 clearance are all gone. The clearance isle is not eye catching either, they used to have merchandise hanging now they have them in round baskets. The 12x12 paper pads are now BO $19.99 GO free. Last time I got 4 for $20. Don’t see much of the 50% off coupon either. Hobby Lobby always has dies but not many stamps. Our Joanns’ is never worth the trip cause I never find anything I like. Let’s hope Michael’s doesn’t cause I love coming for surprised sales!
Please don't support ********** -- they steal designs from American and European companies and the quality of their dies is iffy. And if you look at the packaging, virtually all companies have their dies made in China, although they control the quality better than **********. It's just not cost-effective to have dies made in the U.S., sadly.
Also, many stamp and die companies here have been driven to have their products made in China because the manufacturers they use there will fight the other companies who steal designs. It's the only way they can reasonably fight the thefts without paying lawyers and keeping a full time person dedicated to stomping this out. I used to work at a local store that had to close, and I was told this by the owner of a large die and stamp company.
I don't know when the last time I purchased anything at Michael's. Joann's seems, these days, to actually have more papercrafting supplies than Michael's.
I was looking for some bright white cardstock of decent weight in Michael's recently. I could not find even that! There was a very light vanilla color of I think 65 lb but NOT white. Was very disappointed.
__________________ Brenda
<-My sibling kitties, Milo and Rousseau
Last edited by Paper Junky; 08-03-2021 at 09:04 AM..
Reason: Not gsm
I generally use Michaels for supplies since the coupons still make things like the tape runner I like very affordable. I also found new, beautiful paper packs. They're expensive! I'll wait for a coupon & maybe find a friend to share a pack. I bought a multi color pack with 2-3 shades of each included color for my layered die cuts & it was perfect for my last project. The number of emails is super irritating, though!
I have been a member of Spellbinders small die of the month club - back when it was Makers Mart around 2016 or so. They have just changed their pricing..: price jumped from $12.50 to $15.00 a little while back, and just this month they have added 90 cents tax - so the SDOM is now $15.90. THEN, they changed their shipping. Whatever date your credit card was charged, your package was shipped the next day. NOW, no matter what day you joined, all kits are now shipped from the 20th to the end of the month. I just received my die today (29th), previously getting it around the 12-13th of every month. They now have one shipping date. So, that months kit won't arrive until about the day before or the day the NEXT months die is announced (always on the 1st). Then, topping that off, they upgraded their packaging, and it's a fancier envelope (very eye catching) but the die is MUCH thinner than the other dies. Doesn't make sense. Where is the quality of their products besides customer service?? Very, extremely frustrating. I might consider ordering the knock-off dies on Ali Express... thought I was being a loyal customer by staying with Spellbinders (which, by the way, states "made in China" anyway on the packaging). Sad - I've been paper crafting over 40 years and it has become very disappointing lately. Tuesday Morning used to have a decent die and stamp selection, but after many of their stores closed in the bankruptcy last year, their craft section has been cut in half. I have no other craft stores near me.
Great topic !! thanks
I wanted to skip this months dies/stamps but that feature is no longer allowed. I had to cancel my membership. I can rejoin any time. This was a turnoff to me.
Surprised to hear some Michael’s are charging shipping to pick up in store. I did a couple of orders that way and didn’t have to pay shipping.
Also, yesterday I was shopping for a particular thing at Joann’s and was surprised and happy to see that they have way more Distress reinkers than they had a few months ago. I like to watercolor with Distress inks, and I bought all my reinkers on sale a few years ago (online). A few months ago they only had a few; now it’s more than 40 and they’re on sale again. They must have gotten feedback about it, so maybe they’re open to adjusting for what customers actually want.
I hate Michael’s new “buy 1, get 2 free” sales on hot buy scrapbooking pads. I do use patterned paper a lot for 3D projects and card sketches, but almost nobody needs 48 x 3 sheets of patterned paper at once! Tuesday Morning has been my go-to lately, so I don’t know what I’ll do from now on.
It seems to me that the younger generation (Here I go sounding like an old lady.) Doesn't send cards, and does all of there scrapbooking digitally. Instead of a physical scrapbook because it takes up less physical space in there house. So I'm guessing they think why cater to middle aged people, they are no longer our market. But its really short sided thinking on Michaels behalf. Because with all the Covid craziness, I've been making cards right and left. The creative outlet is what I need to keep my mind off of what's happening in the world. So I head to Dollar Tree, JoAnn or online to buy my crafting supplies.
Michaels should watch Jennifer McGuire sometime. Every time she makes a card, the supplies she uses almost immediately sell out!
I do not go to M's very often. I like to buy individual sheets of paper and can never catch a sale there. I can go to J's and get 10/$2.00. It is easier for me to buy ONLINE. I do not do Cricut Vinyl or planners. the B&M stores seem to be leaning that way.
I was recently in a Michaels store. I was not finding anything I was looking for, and the manager stopped and asked me if he could help me find something. At that moment I was looking for the dies, so I told them I couldn't find the die section. He said, oh we don't carry dies anymore. I was caught off guard and asked why not? He said crafting is going in a different direction. I didn't think for one second before blurting out, no it isn't! The manager didn't seem to like my reaction, and said they hadn't carried dies in over a year. I composed myself and said thank you. I shopped for 20 minutes more and then I left the store after spending $6.
I think that was the smallest purchase I have ever made at Michaels. It really got me to thinking. Why am I finding nothing I want to purchase in Michaels? Is crafting really going in a different direction, or is Michaels going in a different direction? This particular Michaels is in a busy strip mall, but two stores were newly closed in this mall. I couldn't help but wonder if Michaels will be the next store to close the doors in this area.
Lately it seems that every email I receive from Michaels is kids crafts. I get that it is summer and lots of people are looking to keep kids busy, but I also see they are hoping to be your go to place for school supplies. Is Michaels turning into a kids store? Are they going to stop selling crafting supplies for adults? I see they are really enhancing their Cricut supplies. That seems to have been happening for quite some time, yet I never see anyone in the Cricut aisle???
I keep wondering if I am completely out of touch with crafting? Is it going in a different direction, and if so, what direction is that? I still look to buy dies, especially interactive, and layering dies. Am I the only one doing this? What do you think?
I don't think crafting is going in another direction I think Michaels is. They have turned into Cricut central and that is where they have put all their emphasis. I personally find very little there that I am interested in. Will do my shopping online with businesses that cater to what I am interested in.
It seems to me that the younger generation (Here I go sounding like an old lady.) Doesn't send cards, and does all of there scrapbooking digitally. Instead of a physical scrapbook because it takes up less physical space in there house. So I'm guessing they think why cater to middle aged people, they are no longer our market. But its really short sided thinking on Michaels behalf. Because with all the Covid craziness, I've been making cards right and left. The creative outlet is what I need to keep my mind off of what's happening in the world. So I head to Dollar Tree, JoAnn or online to buy my crafting supplies.
Michaels should watch Jennifer McGuire sometime. Every time she makes a card, the supplies she uses almost immediately sell out!
I think younger "influencers" like Simon Hurley are important to keeping papercrafting going into the next generation. I was a cardmaker for several years in the '90s and then stopped -- I can remember when it fell out of favor then too. Stores closed and it got harder to find stuff. But it did come back, with a variety of supplies we could only dream of then!
And yes, I wish Michaels would watch Jennifer McGuire -- have you ever seen a new video of hers the day after it premieres and tried to buy the new supplies she used? Well, you do get to sign up to be notified when it's back in stock! They really need to recruit people like her -- I'd really rather buy things in a B&M store and be able to craft THAT DAY instead of having to wait a week or two for my supplies to show up.
"I just keep trying to support my LSS...she has some online stuff and I have been doing since Covid. Her prices can be higher with NYC rent and add shipping but she also gets some cool stuff big guys don't get."
Can you tell me more about LSS? Who, what, etc?
Other non-craft stores around here I have made similar changes to their dimise. The Disney store - where Mom and I would buy adult t-shirts and Tigger mugs on a regular basis - decided to go kid only. Guess what? That failed and they closed. And the Toys R Us store change to just Babies R Us. They also failed and closed. Sad.
Crafting going in a new direction???
