Woodland Woolworks is going out of business.
Those words leave me with a dead space in my heart, but unfortunately it’s true. Like so very many knitters & fiber people, working in this industry – owning a yarn store – had been a dream for many years. There had even been a couple of false starts, negotiations to buy other yarn businesses, thoughts of starting from scratch, and then the dream came true when I was able to buy this business. I met so many wonderful people, I learned so much. I have so many treasured memories, and I thank you all for those.
But the world has changed since 2005 when I bought the business, as it always does. Changes we should have seen, changes we could not have seen, competition in more forms than we could imagine (digital downloads, anyone?). I tried to ride out the economic storm, I tried a lot of changes internally. But it’s not working, so the time has come.
I want to thank all of our loyal and wonderful customers, the fabulous vendors and yarn reps we’ve worked with, and most of all, my employees who’ve been such a joy to work with. That’s the hardest part of all, having to let them go. Please, I know you will be patient and kind with them as we go through this transition; it’s really hard for them too.
If you use the coupon code Going, you’ll get 25% off your order – even 25% off stuff that’s already on sale. In stock items only, of course. If you have a back-order with us, we will not be able to fill that order and we will be contacting you about it as soon as possible.
15 comments:
When this title came up on my Blogger Reading List, my heart dropped to the floor. I know I'm not a big spender, but you are "my" LYS - and LSS, the place I bought my very first wheel. You and your employees are the best; so friendly and helpful. I'm afraid to come by, for fear of crying....
Oh no! Say it isn't so! :( I'm so sorry to hear this but I do understand, this economy is hard on all of us.
Oh @#$%^&*()!
You were one of my 'go to' places for yarn.
You are/were the best in the business and I am so sad to see this happening. I tried to go to the website to see what can be ordered, but can't access anything, so will try to find my printed catalog - the standard for anyone in the fiber sector!
I am so very, very sorry. Please know that you have been the gold standard of fiber resources across the country, not just a LYS. Because of your professionalism, sourcing quality products and fibers, and help to all, you have set the bar very high. Others will have to reach high to fill your shoes, Diane.
And may your next endeavor be as rewarding to you as your WW has been to us.
I am so sorry to hear this news. My sister always says the only reason I visit her in Portland is so we can make a trip to Woodland Woolworks! I bought my first (and second and third, etc) wheel from your shop. Always enjoyed your friendly and helpful staff and will miss your wonderful store. I think I will probably still have to visit my sister but she is going to wonder why I don't suggest a trip to the "country". Suzy Showen from Idaho
I am so sad about this for you and all the people at your excellent store. Your store is a treasure and its closure will create a serious void in the lives of weavers from the Pacific NW.
Sorry to hear this. We wish you the very best in whatever life has in store for you next!
OH NO! I love you guys!
I too am sad to see this happen. I have added all of you as friends on Ravelry so as to see posting from time to time. You set a very high standard, let's hope others follow your lead. Thank you
I am so sorry for you (and selfishly for me too). I wasn't a major customer but anytime I needed any Jamieson I knew I could place an order and I'd get it in just a couple of days.
A couple of years ago we were on our way to a Labor Day weekend in Oregon and I discovered I had left two colors for my Fair Isle at home. My sweet husband agreed to drive 50 miles out of our way to go to your store but we arrived 5 minutes after closing time on Friday night!!! But two of you were just leaving and very kindly opened up again and gave me time to find what I needed. That's customer service!!! I will really miss you and wish you well. Thanks for all the years of excellent service.
I'm so sorry to read this news. You will be missed, and have been an important part of my fiber life over the years.
I'm trying to access your website, but it says there isn't any access.....hmmm.
This just breaks my heart. You guys have been so wonderful. I still have catalogues from 10 years ago - maybe even older. Yes, I'm a packrat, but there was such fabulous information in them.
I bought so much stuff from you guys, even though nothing recently...in part because I have such a stash still and in part because both the spousal unit and I are currently unemployed, so no $$. But you can bet I'll find some way to make one final purchase.
This is truly the end of an era.
So sorry! I hate to hear this, when a worthy business can't make it in this economy, and we are all hearing this kind of message more and more often. Best wishes for the Woodland Woolworks folks.
I can't believe my eyes - I purchased my spinning wheel with you folks and just haven't had the time to come back for some help. I love your yarn and have purchased much and all the instruction that I've received from you loyal employees. I've brought my friends to your store, I'm so sorry and just hate to hear what this ecomomy is doing to such nice hard working people. Please keep strong and try to move forward. Marcella, Hillsboro, OR
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