Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts

I used to come here often for all of my acrylic paint needs. I find this place a bit overpriced and under-​stocked with fun things to do. I’ve also shopped here for fabrics and zippers with the same results: the prices were just too high. When choosing a crafts store, Jo-​Ann Fabrics would not be my #1 pick.

I feel at home here… that’s coming from the bottom of my old soul scarf knitting animal loving spirit. I can always find something I can talk myself into buying from JoAnn! They have the cutest home décor for holiday seasons, and great DIY idea booklets. The app is a MUST have; it gives coupons for 40 – 60 percent off regular priced items, 20 percent off total purchases, free classes and huge discounts on framing purchases.
To be honest, things are ALWAYS on sale here, so its hard to find items that aren’t. But with that being said, its also very hard to leave the store empty handed. Even if the only full priced things you find is that 99 cent Mickey Mouse scrapbook paper you probably won’t ever use… there are usually coupons to make it even cheaper. From baking, to décor, ribbon, fabric, card-​making, scrapbooking, floral .etc… There’s something for everyone. Its not just a store full of elderly women who like to knit.
The store is very clean since its recent update, and fairly organized. Most employees know what they are talking about and are available to help. There have been times when I climb the «employee-​only» ladder to reach the stock shelves and can’t find anyone, but that might just be because I’m impatient and a rebel, who knows.

Pros:
Associates are willing to help you find items in the store, give suggestions on your projects, and answer any questions you have. Aside from the end of my visit today, when my cashier was quite impersonable and short (attitude not stature), I’ve always had a pleasant experience. Signing up for emails and texts are fantastic because there is always a coupon. I use coupons on everything. Another tip is to visit at the end of the season for decorations. You’ll find clearance decorations from the previous season and new decorations come in very cheap on sale for the next season.
Cons:
Sometimes you’ll grab the last of a particular item and you’ll find that it’s not restocked for quite some time. Also, waiting in line can be very long, and the tunnel of fixtures that the line forms in will seem to close in around you the longer you wait, especially if you have kids (this is normally when my kids will melt down, surrounded by people and there’s no place to turn around!) I wish their scanners would pick up on the mobile coupon barcodes better. Half the time the scanner will read my phone fine, but the other half of the time, the associate will have to type in the entire number, like 30 digits.
All-​in-​all, this is a nice store with lots of selection and friendly associates. I have been and will continue to be a regular customer.

Jo-​Ann Fabric has lots of great things, home décor, wreaths, arts and craft projects, seasonal décor, picture frames, vases, fake flowers and more. Their prices are on the expensive side, they usually have discounts but even the discounts aren’t great deals. I recommend downloading the Retail Me Not application on your phone because they usually have a 40% off one regularly priced item coupon or a 25% off your entire purchase coupon. This store is exceptionally large and they have a decent clearance rack in the back right corner of the store near the restrooms. One issue I have is that there are rarely people walking around the store assisting you and the line is usually very very long. I have found myself waiting over 30 minutes just to get to the cash register here. They are pretty lenient with their return policy as long as you have the receipt with you. I recommend coming here to buy holiday decorations after the holiday has passed as they usually mark their décor 70% off afterwards.

It’s a chain, yes, but the workers are genuine and helpful. I’m just trying to get into sewing, so I was able to speak with the sales ladies in the back and worked out a refurb purchase of a Kenmore sewing machine. Since I bought it through Jo-​Ann, I get a free beginners sewing class to learn how to use the machine and it comes with a year warranty. The instructor, Bonnie, was very helpful and had a lot of knowledge of sewing machines, as she used to be in service repairs for Singer.
The other workers and cashiers are fun too. They let you do your thing, but are quick to help out when you ask. If they’re busy with another customer, they let you know and then give you undivided attention when they wrap up helping the personal before you.
The store itself is dated and could use a facelift, but that’s to be expected in chains that have been around for years. They at least have always had what I’ve been looking for!

Jo-​Ann Fabrics is one of the only retailers in Buffalo, where you can get such an array of fabric at a great cost. They have everything here, from vinyl (if you must) to Waverly to velvets. I’m reupholstering one of my chairs, and came here to inspire myself for my choice of color and material. I surely was inspired, and I am looking forward to my next project that I can start here as well.
They also have home décor, nice silk flowers, and beading. I could just get lost in this store for hours!

I prefer this craft store over Michael’s, and I think it’s only because it seems brighter inside. The products are mostly the same, with the exception of JoAnn’s having fabrics (Michael’s, of course, does not). The products that both stores carry are both usually in stock, but I’ve noticed that JoAnn’s does have some different things, and sometimes just a little bit more.
The only downside is that if most things aren’t on sale, the prices are very high. I shop here for baking supplies (mostly cake decorating), scrap booking supplies, teaching tools, and holiday decorations. I always wait until things are at least 40% off in the weekly ad, or else I must have a coupon.
Overall, this is your one stop shop for crafting supplies. They have cloth flowers, fabrics, framing tools, canvases, scrapbooking supplies, baking supplies, and so much more. I definitely recommend popping in!

I only had 15 mins at this place but I was in heaven!!! The craft store was huge! I couldn’t go to all the sections and just went to my mothership scrapbook section. But did get a quick glance on route to my paper section. Huge selection for fabrics/​sewing. There was so much stuff at the store… and hello… practically cheap since prices in Canada are ridiculously inflated. Omg what to buy… there was only 15 mins!
Luck was on my side as some things in the scrapbook section was 40% off. Ended up purchasing 2 Martha Stewart snowflake punches (approx. $ 7USD each) which would’ve likely been doubled after tax in Canada. Sweet deal! Cannot wait to be back again in the states… love shopping there.
The staff was nice & friendly.

I am compelled to write a review in defense of this Joann’s! If you’ve never been to a Joann’s, it’s a big box craft store, somewhat like hobby lobby or michael’s, with a focus on sewing. It has a big variety of low to mid priced fabrics and some expensive upholstery/​curtain fabrics. It’s my go-​to stop for sewing and basic home craft supplies (unless you want paints or drawing-​related supplies, then go to Hyatt’s or Michael’s). There’s always a 40−50% off coupon you can get on your phone of any non sale item. If you’re the type of person who feels ripped off if you miss ANY coupon, this place could definitely be very frustrating for you. The cutting line for fabrics usually takes 5 – 10 minutes, so don’t come in a rush if you’re hoping to pick out fabric. They always have a good section of fabrics on clearance too. You can get some things on line cheaper, but then consider the expense, time and environmental impact of having a tiny object shipped to you. I can’t justify shipping a 1 $ spool of thread or sewing needles. You can usually find someone to help you with a bit of hunting, but holiday season means Joann’s will be a busy madhouse EVERY DAY, so keep that in mind!

This company is in serious need of new ownership. Part of the beauty of Unilocal is that you get to send these messages and to hope, hope, hope… that it does not fall on deaf ears.
The store itself is well stocked and diverse. They have sections of the store to cater to whatever creative whim you’re there to indulge. You can create glittery masterpieces, decorate award-​winning cakes, make jewelry, or boondoggle with kids to name a few. Seriously. How awesome was boondoggling? Not sure if that is a verb, but it is now!
Jo-​Ann Fabrics is precisely the type of store that grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and dudes can all come to and find something to enjoy. Or they could, if Jo-​Ann would get their act together.
First off, the prices are high. The intention seems to be that people use a coupon to buy anything. That’s fine. However, they make the process so mind-​numbingly arduous and arbitrary that it is impossible to predict the total before you get to the checkout aisle.
The three types of pricing (all with their own coupons) which are only good at certain times, on certain days, under certain rotations of the moon is ridiculous. They know that their store is frequented by old people, right? They can’t read and decipher the fine print.
I was just tagging along today. Wasn’t trying to buy a thing. Just looking at those coupons made me not want to. I’d suggest an amnesty day when the normal people who don’t have time for that nonsense can do their shopping.

I can’t give this more that a «Meh» review because I am always so annoyed at their pricing strategies that require you to hunt down coupons and wait for sales in order to get their overinflated prices down to what you’d otherwise pay any day of the week on-​line. That said, the selection is good and the employees are always friendly and helpful.