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I’m sorry to report another closure of a beloved beading supplier, Sparkle Squad. Beadaholique is closing soon, but forever this time around. So, please make sure to check out their site for discounts and closeout information. I recently bought several beads and enamel painted metal charms during their 20% off sale. Please watch my bead haul video at my Sparkle by Monica YouTube channel. They’re currently at 30% site wide though, so snag your deals before they’re gone!
I’ve been a Beadaholique fan for a long time and am sad to see another jewelry making supplier close its doors after so long. The changes in logistics and tariff complications, sourcing materials for state side distributors has become even more difficult to sustain unique and affordable beading components. Several companies are having to rethink their ordering process for source materials, warehousing capabilities, curating themed boxes and bulk ordering from various sources abroad, etc…all while attempting to keep price increases to a minimum for their customers. With the additional closures of big-box stores like Joann Fabrics, one begins to wonder about the state of the crafting industry as a whole.
I try to support US bead stores on rare occasions whenever I travel, as many still do not have websites for me to purchase online. Also, there’s a thrill getting to experience beading supplies in person and especially if it’s a new bead shop in a new town while you’re on vacation or a day trip. If I had any suggestion for those not selling online yet, please get that functionality ASAP because not everyone can visit your store locally. We can, however, share your store links and purchase online from you once you’ve sourced supplies from your various wholesale vendors. Your online presence is a great tool for offering a fairly calculated cost during challenging times and restrictions like the current tariff situation, but also in shut down scenarios such as CoVid outbreaks and storm damaged locations. Online helps to expand your services all without sacrificing quality. You can also offer personalized assistance online, similar to helping someone at your storefront by using online chat alerts for their inquiries, hold fun bead shopping sales using apps like Comment Sold, and build community by experimenting with collaborations between other bead shops.
I still love my overseas sellers as well, due to the proven reliability I’ve had sourcing my Czech glass beads, Japanese seed beads, Indian glass tubes & ribbons, charms, beadable pen parts, crystals, and more. Other favorite overseas beading suppliers that offer consistent quality, fast shipping and great discounts are also suffering due to high tariffs in their countries. They are not allowed to circumvent the shipping fees, although many have tried to absorb the costs in other ways. The unpredictable amount of added customs fees must be paid by their customer as an importer. The tariffs are deterring many shoppers around the world from purchasing beads from outside their own country right now. I’m hopeful that things will get back to normal, because it’s tough in Sparkleville, y’all!
