JOANN recently invited me to help celebrate their brand new store grand opening in Hemet, California. This store was implemented with JOANN’s new store design and it is beautiful! Everything is displayed and organized in such a way that you instantly feel inspired to make something. This store isn’t quite so close to home for me but it was definitely worth the visit!
I was asked to teach a class while I was visiting the store and had the pleasure to work with the Hemet store’s creator studio team (a few employees not pictured). They were so warm and welcoming, showed me around and explained some of the new features of the store. I had a lot of fun getting to know them. What a great team they have there!
Okay, first let’s talk about this stunning fabric display. Isn’t it so pretty!? I also love that they have added a mirror so you can see how the fabric looks against your skin. Genius! So necessary and helpful.
I know a lot of people feel frustrated when searching for interfacing, so I was so happy when I saw a whole aisle section devoted to just interfacing. It’s so organized and very easy to look through.
Is this the most beautiful cut bar you ever did see? It’s so sleek! Check out the updated shopping carts, too! You can also see the new Creator’s Studio in the background.
In the fabric section I noticed this fixture advertising and showcasing all of the solid linen fabric. I love how they show the fabric sewn up into a garment, and also how all of the colors are beautifully displayed. It truly makes me want to sew something up out of linen and “dress to chill”. I really like the idea of the fabric feature fixture.
I never thought a bunch of displayed zippers could make me feel so happy. How clean and fresh does this look!? It’s stocked, color coordinated and so easy to navigate. The thread and other sewing notions are also organized similarly, and it looks so nice.
Okay, so thats my quick tour of just a piece of the store and the things that really stood out to me! Like I mentioned earlier, while I was there I had the opportunity to meet with customers and teach a class. I demonstrated how to make pattern weights using washers and ribbon, and it was a hit.
(Notice how the extension cords come out of the ceiling! So handy for crafting!).
It seemed like most of the class attendees were unfamiliar with using pattern weights instead of pins, and they were excited to make some for themselves. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone that joined us for the class, asking them about their sewing backgrounds and what they enjoy making.
How fun are these!? The navy and gold star ribbon was a class favorite.
I really enjoyed talking with this woman about her sewing background. She told me all about her BERNINA sewing machine, and how she enjoys sewing for some of the young girls in her life. I also got to take some time to help her find a specific sewing pattern she was looking for. How cute is her top, too!?
I felt an excited energy there as customers explored the new store design. I noticed a lot of the customers seemed to know each other from the previous store that closed right before the new one opened. What a neat community of makers in Hemet, CA.
Thanks so much for having me, JOANN! I can’t wait to see what other new stores pop up next! If you get a chance to see the new store design, it’s definitely worth checking out!
The Sara Project 