Big Craft Stores Big on Jewelry Supplies?
Saturday April 26, 2008
I don't know about you, but it hasn't been that long ago that I remember the jewelry making supply section of my local craft store was maybe half of one side of an isle, if I was lucky. Then, it started growing little by little, filling up a whole side of one isle, then an entire isle, then end caps on isles.
Though scrapbooking is still numero-uno in the craft store industry, we are starting to over take them my fellow jewelry designers! Yippy!
We are talking now on the jewelry making forum about how Michael's in one craft store that really has expanded its supplies section. I only recently got a Michael's close enough to me that it's not a major drive, and I do drop in from time to time to buy supplies, especially if I have a coupon.
What about you? Have the craft stores in your area started to wake up to the jewelry making movement?
Comments
Yes, I have seen the growth of jewelry supplies at ACMoore and Michaels and I noticed some of the beads that are sold at bead shows. Did you know that both companies take each others coupons? Now thats great!
Thanks, Beth. I didn’t know that. We just got an ACMoore over here now, and I haven’t even been to it yet.
Hi there! You are so right about Michael’s and definitely go with a coupon! If you don’t get the local paper, you can get on their website, find your local store(s) and view/print their weekly ad if they have one. The other biggies are Joann Etc. and Hobby Lobby. They both have at least 2 aisles dedicated to beading supplies. I also wanted to mention the Meijer grocery store chain. It is open 24 hours and if you need some basic findings or beads, it’s a great place especially if you are multi-tasking and need a few groceries too at midnight! Take care!
I noticed the expansion in Michael’s as well. It’s interesting that it’s going on at the same time that Walmart (at least ours) seems to be pulling back away from craft and art supplies. Hmmmm…
Interesting observation about Walmart. I think they are making a mistake, but I hate going there any way. I drive out of my way not to go there as it is.
I live here on the Big Island of Hawaii. What’s funny is that we are so water locked that we get everything here a bit latter than all the rest of you. The only store we have that supplies jewelry making items is our local Ben Franklin’s crafts, and a few smaller stores, including Wal-Mart.But instead of keeping up with the latest trends, they tend to micro manage the bead and jewelry making supplies. A lot of us crazy beaders, try to suggest certain things, that’s the lastest craze and what’s hot in the magazines. But they seem to just buy what they think will sell. Which is just the real basics, and a few specialty items.But other than that, if we need something, we have to wait about 4-6 weeks, and that’s if it’s on the order. I only wish we had a Michael’s here. I would be in beader heaven.
I have been in all but one store but I can say that Meijer’s has a better supply of beads at cheaper prices.