I FINALLY got to Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores’ grand opening in El Paso, Texas today. It’s actually an upgraded store at a new location, as their previous store was VERY SMALL and rundown. It reminded me of those old Hancock Fabric stores in East TN where I grew up. It’s the only Joann’s here in El Paso, so I’m glad they did this, although it’s about a 25-30 minute drive to that part of town from where I live. Sniffles. They had already been opened for a week, however, from Feb. 12-14th, was their official grand opening where they were offering freebie gift cards from $10-250 plus additional discounts and free totes.
I got a $20 gift card for being in the first 100 peeps in line. At first there was a slight panic because although we got there about 8:15am and they weren’t planning to open until 9:00am, the line was already LONG. The panic started building as people were cutting in line where they apparently had friends or family already in line, so when they came (LATER) they jumped in with their pals instead of getting to the back of the line as they really should have done. Never fear though. A sweet gal I was in line beside very efficiently got the store manager on the phone to alert them that they really needed to be handing out tickets or something, since people were cutting in line. Another 20 minutes later…cough…he came to do so.
**Note to Joanns El Paso for future grand opening giveaway events…have a staff member watching the line and giving out tickets before the chaos begins!**
There was a scream followed by clapping shortly after they let us all into the store. Then their photographer ran to find the screaming crafter, as they were the lucky recipient of the $250 gift card. (The cards were all a scratch off amount on top, sort of like a lottery ticket). I would have probably passed out before I got the scream out. hahaha. I was tickled with my $20 though!
I also got a sparkletine gift of 60% off beads which were on sale this week (BONUS!) with additional 20% off for today only! AND a free tote (which they even let me pick my color!) since I spent at least $20. I entered for a chance to win $500 gift card, so if I were to win that…I may have to go to beaders anonymous meetings for a year! hahaha. Now I can use my Joann’s haul to make more pretties! Sparkle-riffic Valentine’s Day morning!
***Additional note to Joanns El Paso: PLEASE for the love of all things sparkly and crafty….OPEN ANOTHER LOCATION, BUT ON THE WEST SIDE OF EL PASO!! ***
