Quilty friends and I were chatting about this at a recent get-together. The general answer is yes. More are shopping online, spending more and getting less. A couple of folks noted that we were already heading in that direction with the rise of inflation, online shopping and Atlanta traffic.
Me?
(1) I have to plan ahead more.
Joann was convenient. It carried just about anything I needed for sewing, quilting and crafts. It was open 7 days a week and prices were less than my local quilt shops. It took a little while to find suitable replacement sources for the supplies I prefer to use. Now, I shop 2-3 places to get the same merchandise I could find in a single trip to Joann.
(2) I don’t buy something unless I absolutely need it.
Joann sales & coupons were a great way to stock up on consumable supplies that I regularly use. With Joann gone, Michael’s and Hobby Lobby no longer need to offer as generous of a discount to remain competitive.
(3) Shopping at brick & mortar locations for sewing & quilting stuff has become less frequent, more intentional.
Joann in Kennesaw is where you would often find Sadie and me on Sunday afternoons. It was part of our routine. Sometimes to shop, sometimes for inspiration and sometimes for Sadie to visit different public spaces and practice walking on slick floors in between therapy dog visits. We thoroughly enjoyed our social interactions with customers and staff. Nowadays, the Hobby Lobby location on Akers Mill welcomes us on random Wednesday mornings when I need quilt backing fabric or interfacing that’s on sale.
The only pet-friendly quilt/gift shop in my area recently changed to a no dogs allowed policy after another customer’s dog hiked his leg on several bolts of fabric. Totally understand, but the new policy means this shop is no longer a regular destination on our “Sadie shopping” rotation. We bought special jerky treats carried in the gift side of the shop. (I recently found the same jerky treats at a new specialty pet store closer to home.) I’ll pop in on the way home from monthly guild meetings if I have time to stop, but that’s it. Specific online retailers with reasonable shipping rates are now my usual go-tos when I do need something only found in a quilt shop.
How about you?
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