wal-mart.com I am very disappointed that WM is closing its fabric and craft departments, WHY!?!?!?

Question

I shop at the Arnold MO WM, it would be a shame if they would close. Why close all the fabric departments in smaller communities, where the people have a long way to go to get their fabrics, notions, and craft items. I believe that Wal-mart has not done its homework...This department is very important in many communities, especially Arnold MO, the department is always busy. I know WM will lose customers when this dept is closed. If the reason is that it is not making money, then rethink the products that you buy, many items that have been in my craft department are items that are not selling...junky items that customers are not interested in. Fabrics are important, ones that can be used in quilting, home fashions, clothing, but not high end decorator or poor quality fabrics. I do not want to see my WM close its F&C dept. Please leave it open

Answer 1

It's all about $$
If they don't feel they are making a big enough profit, they're going to get rid of it. That's why they did away with layaway. They didn't feel it was generating enough profit. They don't care about the financially challenged people that can't afford thier supplies any other way.

Answer 2

Another truly amazing post. I really don't believe peoples logic. People protest Wal-Mart’s expansion, criticize their products, but when they decide to discontinue something or make changes to better the store even more people climb out of the woodwork to protest.

#1 Wal-Mart has done their homework. They don't just decide things on a whim. Companies sell products for profit. Yes they are providing you with something you "want" (yes fabric is a want not a need), but they wouldn't be providing the service if they are not making money.

#2 There is a business saying that goes "just because there are cars in the parking lot doesn't mean your making money". The fabric dept may look busy but that doesn't mean they are taking in the profit.

#3 Wal-Mart does take loses on some products. I can tell you first hand that one of the posters above does not know what he is talking about when he says they make 47% profit over cost. They take losses on many good but make up for it with others. Also Wal-Mart's philosophy is to sell quantity at low cost. Instead of marking up like other retailers, Wal-Mart lowers the price and takes a smaller profit but in return sells more.

#4 Petitions and writing to the company is not going to solve anything. Wal-Mart has done their research and looked at the data. Fabrics and Crafts is a large dept and doesn't attract many shoppers, and doesn't give much to profit.

#5 Maybe they will be expanding their selections of home fashions so you can find something already made cheaper than making it yourself.

Oh and as a PS...Don’t get me started on eliminating layaway. What a waste it was to even have in the first place. Most stores had 70% or more in returns and cancellations. What a waste of space and employee power. Here is an idea....save up the money and then go shopping. Wow what a concept.

Answer 3

First, YES, WalMart is eliminating the fabric department in many stores across the country. They spin it by saying, "No, we're still providing fabric, as well as "celebration" items," but in fact the only fabric they're carrying is pre-cut. The department is gone. This is not true in ALL WalMart stores, at least not yet, but many, MANY stores are losing their fabric and craft department.

As for the petition, don't bother. They won't read it, the signatures have no meaning (how do you know all those people signed it - one person could have signed it 30,000 times!).

Finally, WHY are they closing the department? Simple, Money. The same reason WalMart does anything. To be fair, that's the same reason most businesses do anything. You are looking at this from your perspective, not theirs. Fabric is expensive to make. In order to compete with the Jo-Ann Fabrics and Hancocks and Hobby Lobby, they have to sell it cheap. The customers they lose by eliminating this department are low-profit customers. They'd rather use the space on items that they can make more profit on, and attract high-profit customers. Don't kid yourself - WalMart doesn't care about your needs.

Answer 4

Here is a link to an official petition with nearly 30,000 signatures already asking WalMart not to close their fabric departments: http://www.petitiononline.com/savefab/petition.html
PLEASE SIGN!!!

I am a member of a quilt guild that donates hundreds of quilts each year to needy families, shelters and organizations, and our charitable efforts would be greatly hampered if we have to rely on $9 a yard fabric from local quilt shops.

I frequent 6 different WalMarts, shopping the fabric departments first before going on to shop for food, etc., and if they close the fabric department, I'll have no incentive to travel the extra distance. I'll end up shopping more at the KMart and grocery stores close by my house instead.

Answer 5

I hope this is not true of all Walmarts. The fabric and Craft department is the only reason I go in there. I think I would write a letter to the corporate office and tell them how you feel. I know I would.

Answer 6

They probably couldn't get the fabric manufacturers to produce it cheap enough. That's the most important thing for Wal Mart. They want to sell cheaper than anyone else, and they won't lose money unless they're trying to drive a local business out.

Answer 7

is it all walmart craft and fabrics?

That truley is a shame! Maybe you should take out an add in your local newspaper asking people to sign a petition to leave it opened then give it to the manager. I would persue this!! I agree with you! I like walmart prices on fabric and yarn and will be very upset if mine closes as well!!

Answer 8

What are you talking about? I just talked to a person in the fabric dept here and they have no idea what you are talking about. Please post your sources.

I did some research since posting earlier and I have pasted a link directly from walmart stating they are not closing the fabric stores.
http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4787.aspx

Answer 9

if they don't make a 47% profit over the cost,they won't sell it

Answer 10

WHAT! THAT'S JUST WRONG.