"Never accept a No from someone who doesn't have the authority to say YES"......my favorite quote.

Talk to the Store Manager.

ML

Love that quote! I'm going down this afternoon anyways because I think that she's wrong.

Many of the CC stores have gone to that dismal model. Once the old manager of the store nearest me left, and I discovered that they no longer backed their guaranty of my window treatments, I wrote them off as a decorating source.

It could well be the same phenomenon that we are finding in all the stores...HD, Lowes and Kroger to just name a few. Everyone is cutting back on how much they stock and the variety of what they stock. The people at Lowes told me last Fall that they were not reordering anything that was not selling well. They were making notes of it as I was in there shopping.

The Kroger by my son in VA is going to stop having an open meat counter...everything will be in vacuum pack. There will not be any custom cutting.

All of this is to save huge amounts of money on inventory. No one can afford to stock " everything" that we want. It is not feasible with the costs of shipping and production and all the other overhead that is required..some one to stock and maintain the shelves...someone to work at all hours in the meat dept...waste and I could go on and on.

We all need to get ready for a LOT more belt tightening. You are going to have WAY fewer choices locally. There is another thread on this . Our local businesses can't compete with the warehouse online stores that have NO service and no help to speak of...no maintenance etc....it is going to change the way we all do business as well as put a lot of small businesses out of the competition. Then your choices are going to really diminish . They will be decided in a way I think we are all going to be very uncomfortable with. c

I've been a customer often( two chairs, sofa slips, drapes). After an absence of a year or so I looked in and was taken aback that there did not seem to be any lower priced ($25.00-ish) priced fabric. I didn't see any rolls of Ralph Lauren, either. Definitely a different look and feel in the stock and the sales staff. Do report back after your visit ttodd!

Agreed trailrunner!

ttodd, this is from their website:

If you live near one of our stores, our FABRIC APPROVAL PLAN allows you to try before you buy! You may borrow a bolt or hanging sample for two days. You'll be able to see the entire width and pattern repeat, and exactly how the fabric will look in the room with your lighting, floor covering, wall color and other furnishings. This is especially helpful if you're purchasing custom furniture.

Our local store has gone to this model. You cannot walk in and purchase fabric to take home with you. You can walk in and purchase it, and it will be shipped to your home. In all honesty, if it's going to be shipped anyway, I might as well order it on better priced sites. The only purchases I've made from CC since this new policy is for two fabrics I couldn't find at a better price.

They burned me years ago by making something the wrong size and refusing to fix it. I was stunned at their cavalier attitude at all levels and have never darkened their door since.

Just seeing trailrunners reply, which I am so very sad to say is surely very true. I order online but am still a very see it-touch- it kind of shopper. I have noticed, understood and hated the lack of choices I've been seeing. ;>(

I would be very leery of ordering anything these days; remember Pierre Deux.

It's my understanding that many, if not all, of the CC stores have adopted this new procedure. You can purchase fabric at the store, but that fabric will be shipped to you, it's not something you can take home with you. This became evident when I needed more fabric for a client of mine. She had ordered fabric from CC and had it shipped to me to make some window seat cushions and covers. There wasn't enough fabric in the order that was sent to me, and when I tried to order more online, I was told it wasn't available. There are no CC stores within 200 miles of where I live.

I called my client, who has a CC store in her town. She went in to the store and was able to purchase the additional yard that was needed, but they told her she couldn't get it there in the store, but that it would have to be shipped!

We are already feeling the effects of what Trailrunner says in our area big time. That's why it's so important to support local businesses as much as possible. Although I have to admit there seems to be a lot of times when local businesses (at least in my neighborhood) make that hard as I've had some really poor service from them.

I've been in our CC a few times and was really annoyed at the snooty way the "help" behaved and truth be told a lot of what they carry can easily be found else where often for less. We have another large fabric store about 30 minutes farther south and I happily drive there to check out fabrics because 1. it's a locally owned business with oh so much character and 2. They smile at you when you walk in the door. Always a unique experience when I go. SOLD!

The demise of specialty retail stores can't be a surprise to anyone. The stores have been paying all the overhead to provide on site merchandise the customers can see, but then half of those customers go home and order the merchandise on line.

We have done this to ourselves.

lukkiirish...and one will still be here a year from now and one won't . Customer service makes up for price in my book w/o exception.

cindy you are right about that...I have been guilty of it lots of times with books....buying used on line or at local used store after seeing at Books A Million...but now the used place has gone under too....whew...we are in for it now me thinks. c

Well despite of a torrential downpour I made the trek this afternoon. I checked out a large swatch of Annie Selkie Shalini in Bluemarine. It is so amazingly perfect! It totally ties together the multi grey striped bureau in her room w/ the leaf green and white bedding that I already had for her from Pine Cone Hill (also Annie Selkie) and the oil painting that my FIL did. Anyway - I hope to get a picture of it against the other stuff to get your feedback.

And I do plan on ordering it on-line w/o any remorse or regret!

In regards to what you've noted about the economy that is all very interesting. W/o thinking about it I recently started buying our fruit from a local farm. A bit higher price wise but I felt better about my purchase. My kids also noted the fresher taste.

Thank goodness for the Interior Alternative in Newark, DE. Ttodd, have you ever gone there? Incredible store, and fabulous prices.

Right off I-95, so very convenient to get to.

I just love picking up a pair of scissors and start snipping in there.

Cindyloo123 said it best:

We have done this to ourselves.

The fabric is 25% off right now at Calico Corners.

tina

Hey Greg,

If you're looking for good people who are passionate about design, you make want to recruit on this forum! (not sure if the forum rules allow that, but throwing it out there)

Calico Corners would be full of knowledgeable employees who have a passion and talent for design.

....and would be happy to take full advantage of your employee discount.

I recently visited a CC store in Denver. I rarely get to shop CC, as there isn't one where I live. I was sad to know that they no longer stock fabric, however I understand why they have made this change. It makes good sense, from an inventory standpoint. I was pleased to know we could check out a large sample and either return it in person, or mail it ... When we order the fabric we will not pay shipping. The two ladies who waited on us provided above average customer service--- and knew we were only going to buy enough for accent pillows. IF WE WANT BRICK AND MORTAR STORES TO SURVIVE - WE MUST GIVE THEM OUR BUSINESS. Again - the take home sample that you can borrow is large and costs nothing, so long as you return it in a timely fashion...many stores will only give you what I call a "snip" for free...usually no longer than 4" square. I like the new system.

Kate,
Where are you located in CO? I'm in CS and the drive to Denver is never one I look forward to. You don't have to post, but I am a mess of adrenaline just driving into Denver Fabrics parking lot. It is always fun with so much fabric and ideas abound. There are two stores right next to each other. One is an outlet of overruns, discontinued fabrics on bolts and tables stacked with shorts. Right next door is their main store of new fabrics, even leather skins. The staff is wonderful. Haven't looked though if their old store up north is still there. I go to the one off Broadway. One has to be ready to dig for matching and enough yardage though. I've never had a problem "digging" through all and find myself hanging around way too long.

I too remember CC when it was so much fun, bought many a bolt right at the store. Loving their sales. Just remembered it has been almost 30 yrs since my first visit. Perhaps we can call them an upper end store now. It has been years since going to one after finding a number of outlets around. And now being able to order online at prices once remembered.

What I am missing is access to upholstery thread. It is few and far between, specifically for color options. Even at upholstery fabric stores. Greg's comment about few sewers may go along with availability of such.

The personal post from CC is interesting and appreciated having him take the time to share with us. I must be a very different species than the norm for their customers. Being able to pull a bolt of fabric out to see the overall look is a need for me. And it must be very difficult for any store front with internet products available, plus our economy.

Well Greg it really makes a very good impression on me when a business owner/ manager takes the time to weigh in like that. That does make a difference to me for when I am ready to purchase the fabric. You sound passionate and like DeeDee said we are passionate decorator's here at GW!

My service in the store was excellent and far beyond other fabric stores (most any store for that matter!) as it always has been over the yrs.

I love the fabric so much w/ that I am contemplating using the fabric as curtains instead of just pillows for DD's room.

And hey - if you ever need excellent furniture refinishing and/ or repair in the Main Line area of PA - DH's business regularly services that area! Just shoot me an e-mail! LOL - sorry - couldn't resist!

Will post pics of thie fabric w/ everything else later today to see what you think.

Did anyone try emailing Greg?

Have not shopped at the local CC in yrs, don't even know if it is still here. I got tired of the snotty and awful customer service. We have several local stores that offer excellent customer service, FREE samples, have interior designers on staff, shall I go on?? If you live in NC, it is worth stopping in. One of them does custom furniture to die for, ordered our Wesley Hall sofa thru them, sweet deal. The designer came over, helped me re-arrange the furniture in our family room. Can't beat that. SO glad they opened here in Charlotte!!

I have been a Calico Shopper for years. It's always the store I start with since it easier for me the hit their Marlton/Cherry Hill Store than go to 4th Street in Philadelpha.

We recently reupholstered our 10 year old CC Sofa with fabric purchased in CC. The quality of their furnishings is superb and so is their fabric which is why we reupholstered. Our salesperson was very helpful and really took her time with us but she did attend to another customer while DH and I were chatting and it did take her a little time to get back to us.

I did not get a sample because I took DH back there that day once I saw what I wanted which is a feat unto itself. I used to love to go there and get those little samples to bring home and look at. But I would be more happy with 2 yard sample bolts to drape across a chair. JMO

We also got a quote for the reupholster job since they were having a 20% off sale. It turned out is was $300 more than the Upholsterer we went with which we had past experience with. That's a significant price differentiation (on sale).

emagineer -- I'm from C/S, too!! Well, just moved to Monument. I have been wondering where the good places to get fabric are... JoAnns and Hancock are dismal. Mill Outlet is a little better, but still haven't seen anything that I want.
Definitely going to take a trip to Denver Fabrics one of these days!

Hey Folks--
We had one reader in Austin TX with an issue, and my customer service team is working to resolve that issue. Since almost 80% of the fabric we sell is turned into custom labor-- we have many more success stories than we do "issues"-- Our remake percentage of custom product is under 1% (industry average is about 4-5%)-- But like every other company out there-- we are striving for TOTAL satisfaction-- I appreciate everyone's feedback and for keeping me on my toes--
Greg

The customer service at my local store is very good. I've bought many fabrics there and the salespeople have always helped me search through fabric and made suggestions when I'm trying to match a certain color.

I purchased my slipcovered dining head and foot chairs at Calico Corners. The chairs were somewhat expensive, even with the sales price, but they are extremely well made and the slip covers are perfectly tailored. I think these chairs will last a very long time and I like that they were made in the USA. Also, the salesperson took the time to help me select a lesser expensive linen to match the linen slips on my side chairs.

When they were first delivered I thought that the hem was cut short one one of the chairs and called Calico Corners. I took one of the chairs to the store and they actually sent the seamstress to my house. She showed me that the problem was how the slipcover was adjusted and after a readjustment they were fine. (I was more than a little embarrassed not to know this but I had no experience with slipcovers, and I do think the salespeople should have recognized the easy fix, but I was very impressed that someone was sent to my home.)

Forgot to mention that my local store is located in Orange County.

I just returned my fabric sample today. Customer Service in the store is quite excellent. It always has been. The person that originally helped me was not available but another lady took detailed notes on my thoughts on the fabric and stuff to give the original sales rep feedback. I found some great inexpensive WASHABLE pillows for DD instead but I'm really, really thinking about using the Calico Corners fabric to make curtains instead.

Greg, you answered some of my questions about where your work is done and fabric is made. I'm very impressed that you work at keeping it in the USA. If more companies would do that our economy would recover much faster. I wish we had a CC near us, but the closest is more than three hours away. I'm a self employed seamstress so you can bet I'll be recommending my clients check your website for their fabrics from now on.

Thanks justgotabme-- It just seems like an old fashioned notion in my industry to rely on American labor for fabrics, draperies and furniture. So many of my competitors bring in containers from China (which is why they only offer their furniture selections in natural linen, or 20 fabric choices, or standard panel unlined draperies in 12 shades of thin silk--)...I have to believe that a business model where you can get exactly what you want in 7,000 fabrics made in the USA is still viable-- And our business is growing, thanks to so many of you out there-- I don't want to knock any other companies out there-- every company makes decisions based on their values-- and we may not be the right fit for some of you-- I am asking that you consider checking out our website calicocorners.com, or to swing by a store to check us out if one is local... One request-- If you have a good experience, tell a friend (or your entire address book!)-- if you have a less than positive experience-- let me know-- (is there some sort of prize for the longest posts??)
Greg
Calico Corners

No prize for the longest post Greg, though you'd think so with some of the long posts we have now and then here. LOL

I wish more companies would feel the same way about keeping their business in the USA. I try very hard to buy made in America, but it's getting harder and harder to do so. What we consumers need to do is revolt! Ofcourse in the mean time we might wind up going "nakid" and without things we'd like to have since it's impossible to find certain products that are made here.

Here is a link that might be useful: Calico Corners