Canadian craft store Lewiscraft appears to have given up the ghost. After several years of struggling against mounting debt, the chain is selling off what’s left of its stock at hugely slashed prices, closing its doors and shutting down its website–probably for good.
(For more of my thoughts on the demise of Lewiscraft…check out the Summer edition of Knitty, at fine web servers everywhere!)
UPDATE: A Lewiscraft worker tells me that the final day for all Lewiscraft stores is June 30–so those of you craving big bags of Paton’s and Bernat acrylic have a few weeks to get down there and stock up.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I have many fond childhood/teenage memories of hours spent in Lewiscraft, but you’re right, in recent years they just haven’t kept up. I used to frequent the one in Halifax, but since we moved to BC I haven’t seen them around (probably they aren’t in the west.) Alas… another Canadan institution (of sorts) down the tubes!
I think the way this company has come to an end is very sad – being bought out, and then terminating it’s employees, some of whom have been with the company for years. If we had been better managed by the higher-ups (yes, I’m an employee – until tonight anyway *laughs*), I think they could have saved some of the more profitable stores (including my home store) and made the improvements that we so needed to keep up in the market.
I can’t speak for the other stores, but we carried quite a selection of yarns, many of which could not be found anywhere else nearby. I can only hope – like yourself – that something else can fill the space in the market, or there are going to be some very disapointed knitters here. lol
Hi Adwin,
I’m sorry to hear that you are one of those affected by the shutdown. I didn’t realize that the company had been bought out (though it seemed to have been shopping around for another owner for a while). Is it another craft store company? And, if so, is there a chance that you and others might be hired back?
I agree that, in many smaller markets, Lewiscraft was the only alternative to big box stores like Wal-mart. I went into a Wal-mart the other day to check out their yarn selection and it was quite pitiful. It may not affect many urban knitters who have access to higher-end or specialized yarn boutiques, but for people who live outside of the downtown core, it’s going to be Wal-mart, Zellers, Michael’s – if you’re lucky enough to live near one – or the Internet.
Its too bad that such a great store has had to close. When I learned to knit I went to Lewiscraft for advice on patterns and yarns and if I ever had a problem with a project I was working on, they were there to help me sort it out. The larger stores like Walmart and Zellers or even Michaels don’t offer that kind of personalized help or service. They knew me by name and would let me know what was new the moment I walked in the door if any of my favoite yarns were on sale.
I’m going to miss the store and the ladies there.
I also worked at Lewiscraft in one of the northern stores. Yes people, way up north. I helped set up the store when it came to our area, and worked my way to manager of this great store. Customers loved coming into our store and I too got to know many customers by their first name. It felt like my second home and I really believe that it was poor money management from the upper level that caused the demise of this long standing company. Just an opinion. People still approach me to talk about those days and how service elsewhere is not there. I spent many hours helping someone fix their knitting projects or encouraging beginners. While I understand that a store needs to make profits in order to stay in business, I never understand why new stores would be opened when a company is already struggling. After giving 110% to a company, it’s too bad that more effort wasn’t given to better manage and save this once successful company. Once again the bigger guys like Walmart continue to swallow up the smaller guy
How they decided which stores would close first and the amount of notice we received prior to closing date was in my opinion poorly handled. As long standing employees, we were given very short notice. Hopefully one day another style of Lewiscraft store will come along. Till then, keep knitting and good luck to all who worked at the best store around, Lewiscraft.
Im very sad and shocked to see that Lewiscraft stores have gone out of business. One day i went to my local Lewiscraft store in the mall near me to find it was gone. I didnt even know they were closing, the stores will be greatly missed and I hope someday are brought back. I feel really sorry for the employees of Lewiscraft , they were all great people and did a great job. The other stores like Walmart and Michaels are not the same as Lewiscraft, so I can only hope along with all the employees that have lost their jobs that one day these stores might come back. We can only hope. Ruth
I had no idea that Lewiscraft had finally gone under until I went to a local mall on the weekend and the store was gone. Lewiscraft has a special place in my heart as I was employed at Head Office and worked as a Buyer for 6 years back in the glory days in the early 90’s. I worked with an exceptional group of people and got to travel the world buying everything from beads to PVC Christmas wreaths. I left the company at the end of 1995 and at that time the company was in financial ruin and looking for an investor. Seeing the writing on the wall and the emergence of Wal-Mart on the retail scene, I accepted a buying job at the almighty Wal-Mart. I left WM after a few years to start a family and continued to monitor the financial ups and downs of Lewiscraft. The little company continued to hold on by a thread through all the changes in the Canadian retail market, contending with the Wal-Marts and Micheals of the world. Again, I am sorry to see that the company finally went under, I have wonderful memories of my time working there.
Yes, it is sad to see Lewiscrat go. I almost made my 25 years with them. I did stay till the bitter end (June 30 ). My store here in Edmonton was one of the 10 that the liquidation company (Bentleys) kept open. I cringe every time I walk by the store. It is a total disaster. The stock they keep bringing in is from a fire damaged warehouse of crap. Stuff you might find in a San Francisco or dollar store. I was lucky enough to get a call from on of Lewiscraft’s suppiers. I am an assistant manager in their warehouse and will take over management when the manager retires some time next year. Sure different, and I really miss my customers. But I guess we all move on. And Martha, I am sure I remember you….lol.
For those into cheap yarn you should check out one of the last Lewiscraft locations in Toronto. Undernath the Bay at Yonge and Bloor in Cumberland Terarrace there is one store still open. They keep getting shipments of yarn from all the Lewiscraft stores that have shut down and the yarn is half price or less. I picked up a ton of mohair blend wool today and they are expecting more wool to arrive tomorrow.
Just thought I’d let you know.
PS. I’m also really sad that they closed down. There are NO craft stores in T.O now. Unless you have a car and can drive to farflung locations.
Lewiscraft isn’t the first to succumb to the pressure applied by the big box store whose name starts with “M”. Shortly after that American invaded the Edmonton market, a wonderful store by the name of “Crafts Canada” closed its two locations. And now I learn that Lewiscraft has suffered the same fate. Only six months ago, there was a Lewiscraft store at West Edmonton Mall; that location is now a clothing store. It went to the “M” store today and wasted 40 minutes looking for three items. I came away empty-handed. I’l not be returning to that store even thought it’s only a 5-minute drive from my home. I’ll venture across the city to one of the smaller, locally owned stores for my craft needs.
i recently went to lewis craft to buy wool and guide for knitting, it was sad to know that it does not exist anymore!!!!
No kidding… i was trying to find a oil painting paint by number kit and i couldn’t find Lewiscraft anymore (the one that use to be in Calgary).. I’ve been phoning around and now that I’ve been to this site, yeah, i know it’s gone. =( I went to Michael’s and Wal-mart but they either have only watercolors or in Michael’s they have a small selection of oil painting kits but the pictures aren’t nice and they are pricey. Does anyone know where else may have oil painting? I’m so sad that Lewiscraft is gone. i know they use to have oil painting kits.
Lewiscraft IS STILL AROUND! But only in certain cities. I am an employee of Lewiscraft since 2002 and my location is acting as a clearance centre since June 2006 – it’s March 2007 and we are still open. Going to be for a while. We get yarn orders every couple of weeks. Lots and lots of yarn – Patons/Bernat yarn – Shetland Chunky, Decor, Bohemian, Divine, Canadiana, Astra, and much much more. From 30 % to 70% off. Lots of great deals.
Calgary, Edmonton, London Ontario just to name a few….
THE LAST LEWISCRAFT IN B.C. CLOSED APRIL 1 2007. I’M A FORMER EMPLOYEE AND IT STILL HURTS. I MET MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE STAFF AND CUSTOMERS AND WILL MISS THEM ALL.
awww, i love that store.
OH MY GOD!!! I was in my London Lewiscraft location today!!!
What a deal. I got bags and bags of Shetland chunky, decor Canadiana and some vintage yarns. Great selection still loads and loads, I saw skids and skids of yarn being unpacked. Yes, unpacked! The London ontario location is at the corner of Exeter and Wellington in the Winners Plaza. Run there. That location is closing before the end of September 2007. More then half the show is yarn great deals. The vintage yarn was $24.99 and I got tons at $4.99 a ball. Most of the yarn is at 50 or 70 percent off. Bernat boa, Brilliant, Carmen, Cha Cha at 1.99. Just thought I’d pass on the great savings!!!!!!!!
I am sory to hear the best store for the yard and the crafts are gone my mother love that store it had all the things she wanted and she bought the sun sparklers beadery and can find it know were but store your store will be miss a lot thank you for all your help with my mother when she needed help looking for things in your store you help her
I am not a fan of M’s as they don’t seem to have any crafters on staff to help you the way Lewiscraft employees inevitably did. I found myself making a trip to a Mary Maxim outlet for their annual sale and was rather disappointed at the selection of wool / yarn available. Wish I’d realized that there was still a Lewiscraft in London, Ont. before I made the drive to Paris. Will definitely be checking it out before it too finally closes. Looks like the internet for those of us who don’t shop like shopping at M or W!!! Thanks Lizabeth for the heads up.
Hi ladies, I agree with all you have been saying abou the closing of Lewiscraft.
If you should ever come to the Barrie Ontario area there is a great wool store on Anne Street. also have web site but not good one.
its Called Knitters bazaar have lots of the different wool.
another way of getting wool is off the internet from the manufacuters sites.
Keep knitting
OH my goodness, I had no idea. I went to look up their website! That is so sad… Not recently but many years ago in my late teens, I used to frequent it, I absolutely loved it. That really is to bad. I guess they are all going the same way, like White Rose as well.
Just out of Curiousity I thought I’d see if the name of Lewiscraft had disappeared forever. To think that people are still discussing Lewiscraft impresses me. I was a manager in one of the Winnipeg stores and had worked for the company for over 18 years. I still feel troubled by the demise of this Canadian company. The poor money management at Head Office and the inability to provide the customers with the product they needed when they needed it was frustrating. The way they let their employees know that they no longer had jobs was inexscuable. In case you are curious, Lewiscraft was bought out by Bentley Leathers. They happen to be professinal liquidators as well as a large scale retailer. Lewsicraft was my home, my love, and the people there were my family. I have great hopes of opening my own Yarn shop here in Winnipeg to cater to those who really want to engage int he fine art of knitting and crocheting.
Are there any Lewis Craft in Etobicoke, Toronto LEFT. i knew there was one at Woodbine Mall in Rexdale. Is it still there?
What is the closeest store for Crafts in the E tobicoke area
Oh, Dawn, Lewiscraft is well in the past. Depending on the craft you’re looking for, a google.ca search for ‘crafts etobicoke’ may be helpful. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive craft store like Lewiscraft, you’re out of luck. The next best thing is Michaels, and those stores are all in Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville. The other option is to go to stores like Walmart and Zellers and check out their (generally small) craft sections.