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Craft Star
2 reviews for Craft Star
STORE:
It is a bit run-down looking and dingy. It has a smell of 'old' to it, and can trigger allergies if you have them.
SELECTION:
The selection is pretty big, offering a lot of items you might not find at the bigger chain craft stores in the area. The bead selection is a mix of lousy, cheap plastic crap and the occasional unique and special find.
My biggest issue with the selection is the aging which half of it has obviously gone through. Some of the things you'll pick up look like they've sat on the shelf for the last ten years. Plastic packaging becomes warped, cracked and yellowed... looking more like you found it in some old lady's attic. Haven't these folks ever heard of clearance sales?
I would be leery of purchasing fabrics and yarns here. They may have sat in the store for some time and will pick up the nasty smell of their environment.
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
I've always had an odd sense that I was bothering whoever was behind the counter with my need to purchase items. If there is no wait this person is often having a chat on the phone or sitting down nearby. They have to grudgingly drag themselves off a stool to assist me.
However today's visit was much more vexing.
I walked up to the only register that had someone near it. This woman was fidgeting with her machine and didn't even say hello to me. I realized after about sixty seconds of standing there, that she was trying to replace the receipt tape. However minutes passed and this person never once greeted me. She never once said, "sorry, it will just be a moment." She never even indicated that she was aware of my presence. Another woman stepped into line behind me and was also ignored.
I can be patient. I can understand that you're busy. I can even shrug off the miff of being ignored like this.
But then another cashier comes into the picture. Cashier #2 walks up to a register right next to me, looks at the lady BEHIND ME and says to HER, "I can help you right here."
Meanwhile I am still standing in front of Cashier #1, being ignored and feeling pretty darned pissed off at this point.
The lady who went to Cashier #2 was looking for something, found out where it was and walked away. I moved to go to that register (Cashier #1 still hasn't said a single word to me), but right then another lady stepped up behind me, and Cashier #2 indicated her over to her register. The lady hurried ahead of me and paid for her purchases in record time.
TO CLOSE:
I only go here on a rare occasion. Usually if I'm going to the awesome pet store next door and have a fancy for a beading supply or two.
The sole reason I visit this store is location. Its the easiest to get to and closest to my home.
I generally buy only fabric and notions here, and the fabric prices are quite good. Selection varies as they buy seconds and overstocks and out of seasons, but I can always find something I like and the sales make the low prices even better. Generally they carry only flannels and 100% cottons, but occasionally some upholstery or blends will appear.
However, the staff ranges from excellent and attentive to rude and unconcerned. On a recent visit, an employee shouted across the store to another employee, "Hey snotweed!". I chuckled to myself, thinking, "Its a good thing that I'm not easily offended and like the prices or I probably would not return!".
I will continue to shop because the fabric is cheap. If prices go up, I'll take the extra time to go to Pacific Fabrics where the selection is greater and staff super professional, but prices higher.