Ben Franklin Crafts & Frames — Attraction in Grass Valley

Now that the main fabric shop in Grass Valley is closed, any sewist is left with only Ben Franklin Grass Valley for her/his sewing needs.

For some reason this store refuses to stock standard sewing thread in any colors other than black, white, navy and beige...that is, polyester or polyester-wrapped cotton thread, and only has 100% cotton thread. This is in spite of the large amount of fabric that's carried there that does NOT sew well with 100% thread!!

The personnel situation in this store is very mixed. I have witnessed actual verbal FIGHTING amongst the help in the fabric section!! And unless you go in very frequently to shop you can expect either cold or condescending treatment.

I have been asking for several years (before the closing of the other fabric shop) about more polyester thread, to no avail. I think the addition of the black, white, beige and navy polyester was in response to others' requests, but since there is NO other place in Grass Valley OR Auburn wherein one can buy many colors of polyester thread, this is a DIS-SERVICE to sewists in this area. Rude, even.

It took a looooong time for buttons to arrive in this store for purchase. Maybe polyester sewing thread will show up eventually. It's very hard to buy thread online in the correct colors!! And I refuse to drive to the nearest fabric store in Rocklin (about 40 miles from where I live, one way) just to buy thread.

If Ben Franklin is going to be the only store in town to have a full sewing section, it should supply the correct sewing thread for purchase for sewing on fabrics other than...

The gentleman in framing was wonderful and knowledgeable. He was kind and helped us find just the right frame. However the cashier, Audrey D. , was rude and denied us the teacher discount offered. I was told I had to be in the "system" in order to get an discounts and then stated "It's the policy". She was helpful and does not know what customer service is. Not only did she lack customer service but in the end what she said was wrong and therefore she lied. Their website clearly states, "Come in to our store with your valid Teacher's ID or apply using the form below! " This is copied directly from their website. We spent $80 on frames and all she wanted was to ring us up and leave. The GM Mr. P was apologetic but I don't feel anything will be done. It seems that instead of keeping our money local and in our county we will go to Michael's in Auburn. They offer a hassle free discounts for teachers and have always been kind, courteous, and helpful. Ben Franklin's is no longer the only...

Josh at the Grass Valley, CA location was extremely helpful. After having left my contact info and requesting a callback about some specific bandanas that I am seeking and not getting a response, Josh offered to show me the catalogue of bandanas to see if what I am requesting is even available from their suppliers. SUPER FRIENDLY and went over and above by bringing out the catalogue and allowing me to finger through it. He wrote down the product codes and stated that he would bring this to the ordering manager’s attention and either have them contact me or he would contact me to let me know where in the 8-week ordering cycle they are so that I would have a sense of when I might receive the requested items. Highly recommend this store and Josh as his Customer Service skills and support is breathtaking. Thank You Josh, for making my shopping experience and request a very...