More yarn than you can shake two sticks at
ThreadBear Fiber Arts Studio offers more yarn than you can shake two sticks at. One of the nation's largest yarn shops, our variety of fibers, prices, classes, and opportunities to meet, learn from, and interact with some of the biggest names in the industry is unparalleled. Even so, we strive for a homey atmosphere where everyone is welcome and where laughter is a way of life. To get a taste of life at ThreadBear, join us for one of our many free weekly and monthly events listed on our website.
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Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
ThreadBear, originally conceived as a web-based business, has been in operation as a bricks-and-mortar retail store since 2002.
What is your primary product or service?
ThreadBear is a retail yarn shop offering knitting, crochet, and spinning classes as well as free focus-group meetings for specific interests.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Having grown up with fiber arts at home with parents and grandparents, founders Rob Matyska and Matt Waldrop wanted to create a place where knitters, crocheters, spinners, and other fiber artists could come together to share their experience and love of their craft.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Since our buyers have found it difficult to purchase sufficient quantities of yarn for large garment projects in many yarn shops, ThreadBear is stocked specifically with large garment quantities of each shade of yarns purchased. We also believe that everyone should have access to the finest instruction, so we invite national and international instructors to teach at ThreadBear as often as it can be arranged.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
ThreadBear currently has only a single location with no current plans to expand.
Provide detailed directions to your location
ThreadBear Fiber Arts Studio is located in the Waverly Centre Shopping Plaza one-quarter mile north of I-496 on Waverly Road in Lansing, Michigan between Kalamazoo St. and Michigan Ave.
What type of payments do you accept?
ThreadBear accepts cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, and debit card.
Which areas do you service?
ThreadBear is a walk-in retail store, but we have also shipped to every continent except Antarctica. Frankly, we thought those there might need wool more than most, but no one has ordered... yet.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
ThreadBear if owned by Rob Matyska and operated by Matyska, his partner, Matt Waldrop, their store manager Sabrina Woodward, and a staff of approximately a dozen skilled knitters, crocheters, and spinners.
What are your hours of operation?
ThreadBear is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm.