One of my Hancock stores closing

[sewingrandma]

My heart is breaking as it is my favorite one in the area. They use to mark down their 'spot the dot' fabrics a lot more than the store closer to me. I could get flannel for around $1.50/yd if I looked carefully and used my coupons or went in on a Sr Weds, the other store won't let you use a coupon on their spot the dot fabrics. The two stores are only about 5 miles apart so I knew one of them was going to have to close and since the store that is closing is in a not so nice part of town I figured it would be the one when the time came. Everything today was 30-50% off and no coupons were being honored nor are the spot the dot discounts applying or any of the sales in the current flyer. I'll keep checking in at the store to see how the discounts are going and start shopping when they hit my %.

[LeapFrog Libby]

The one here that is closing is one I never went to anyway. It is smaller that the one I go to, and furthur away from me. The one I shop in is a much larger , friendlier store. They know me so well that I get wonderful service and usually at least one hug when I go in the door. I am lucky and I know it ! !

[sewingrandma]

Libby the store that is closing is our friendly store. It is much larger than the one staying open and cleaner and better organized too. I will definitely miss it.

[LeapFrog Libby]

Brockie,
I am sorry to hear that. I know I am lucky in this circumstance.

[MartySews2]

My favorite Hancock store is NOT closing but I'm seeing a trend of returning to sewing garments. I'm seeing much more garment fabric and less craft and junk in the store. Hoping that Hancock Fabrics will continue providing supplies for those who love to sew garments. That's where they failed in their business.
Marty

[MartySews2]

Got the word yesterday that ALL Hancock Fabric stores ARE closing as they are going out of business. Right now, thru May 5th (according to my flyer) everything is 50% off and they are doing a total liquidation including store fixtures. Great time to stock up on some deals. In Feb, they announced the closure of 70 stores and filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the 2nd time within a few years. Stock in the company was less than $1 a share. Many people are losing their jobs. So terribly sad!!!
Marty

[sewingrandma]

I had heard only a few stores were closing but that was a month or so ago. I went again to the store here that is closing and 'spot the dot' fabrics were 70% off and all other fabric was 50% off. I stocked up on flannel and more patterns. I checked on the other local Hancock's and there was no sign up that it was closing so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that some stores remain open. I too feel sorry for the employees. The lady that was cutting fabric today had only been in the area for 8 month and didn't have any prospects for another job.

[sewingrandma]

I just checked my email and received one saying all stores closing and that everything is 20-50% and all sales final in-store and on-line. Hope Joann's stays open as it is the only other fabric store close enough for me to go to. Some of the Walmart's here have fabric departments but they don't carry any type of jersey or knit. I've tried shopping on-line at various fabric stores and was never happy with what I received. Maybe I just didn't shop at the right places. Anyone have a favorite-good prices.

[MartySews2]

For knits and jerseys, I shop online at Vogue Fabrics which is in the Chicago area. Their prices are about $12-$15 a yard but the quality is superb. From what I have bought, it washes and wears well. I would spend that much on fabric at Hancock Fabrics but the quality wasn't near as good as what Vogue Fabrics carry. They have a swatch service too which makes it easier to decide on what to purchase as I can test the swatches.
Marty

[sewingrandma]

https://consumerist.com/2016/04/01/all- ... socialflow

This is an article about the closings. Apparently the company that bought them out is notorious for not giving good sale prices until the very end. Yesterday while I was at Hancock's it looked like many bolts had had the prices raised. It wasn't a case of the fabric being on the wrong cardboard insert either. When I asked a sales clerk she remarked that they just do what they are told. From different articles I read the last couple days apparently the company is only allowing a few of the employees to remain during the closings and that they can be let go without cause before the end. Yesterday there were only 3 employees in the entire store and some of the customers were getting tired of the wait. Luckily I was in a line where we all were chatting and helping each other out with questions and holding spots while others did more looking.

I'll be sewing from my 'stash' now. Luckily I've got the room for a big one. Most of it though at this point is baby related. I just got back from a local thrift store and it had acquired fabric, yarn, some notions from an elderly woman. Some of the fabric had the original tags on it---KMart!!! Most of it was the harsh double knit and most in patterns from the 60s. Brought back lots of memories of that era. I did find a couple of pieces that I could use for baby leggings and dresses.