Archive for November, 2008
Editor’s Note
Friday, November 7th, 2008Here are some random thoughts: First, some customer service comments. We recently placed a rather large pizza order to be delivered to the office. When the delivery person arrived, he brought complimentary plates and napkins. A nice touch, especially for an office … Our company has arranged a corporate rate with a local hotel. It’s […]
Make Some Noise!
Friday, November 7th, 2008By Rich Kizer & Georganne Bender
An advertisement for a tradeshow arrived in our e-mail box last week with a headline asking retailers: “Are you in business for the long run? … Then you must attend this trade show!”
Our first thought was: Are you kidding? Every retailer reading that e-mail is in business for the long […]
Notable In Needle Arts
Friday, November 7th, 2008By Maria Nerius
Although we often take for granted our industry’s classic category, needle arts has been hopping over the last few years. Techniques like cross stitch, embroidery, and of course, the art of knitting and crocheting are crafts often passed along from one generation to the next. Traditional needlearts, such as needlepunch and needle felting, […]
Independent View
Friday, November 7th, 2008The Quilt’s The Thing
By Bob Silverman and Jim Helms
With all the craziness in the world economy, the recent election, and the day-to-day challenges of running an independent shop, it’s very easy to forget that “the quilt’s the thing.” You can substitute scrapbook, skirt, curtains, or any other “thing” that’s appropriate for your business. We’re so […]
Product Pick
Friday, November 7th, 2008Artistrywear
Plaid Enterprises
www.plaidonline.com
The product testing team was treated to a wide variety of Artistrywear pendants and pre-made necklace samples. They liked the product line, especially because they were able to “craft” the jewelry as much or as little as desired. They could pick a pendant and a pre-made necklace and have a fun piece of […]
Book Review
Friday, November 7th, 2008Christmas Crafting With Kids
By Catherine Woram
ISBN: 978-184597-700-9
Ryland Peters & Small
www.rylandpeters.com
Many craft books for kids include projects that adults can make for children, but Christmas Crafting With Kids is truly filled with kid friendly crafts that kids will enjoy making. My godchildren made the pompom tree ornaments. The book includes instructions on how to make […]
Project Corner
Friday, November 7th, 2008Needlework
The common denominator is a needle, but what the consumer does with that needle involves a wide variety of needle arts. The following sites provide plenty of inspiration for your store classes and demos:
It’s all about needles at Colonial Needle Company, and if you need to know which needle is best to use for a […]
New from CK Media
Friday, November 7th, 2008Paper Grafts Gourmet
Here’s the perfect recipe book for those who love both food and paper crafting. This mouth-watering publication features more than 50 original recipes from the family and friends of Paper Crafts Magazine. Plus, the country’s most talented paper craft designers whipped up over 110 projects to complement these incredibly savory recipes. Projects include […]
Jo-Ann’s Third-Quarter Report
Friday, November 7th, 2008Jo-Ann Stores reported a 1.5 percent decrease in same-store sales for the third quarter, compared to a 2.4 percent increase last year. Net sales for the quarter were down slightly to $480.1 million from $480.2 million last year. Year-to-date same-store sales increased 1.9 percent compared to a 3.5 percent increase last year. Net sales for […]