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Member since 5/1/06
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Posted on: 7/21/14 11:48 AM ET
I know some people on PR have a "love/hate" relationship with this company but this was just announced on our local online business news email this morning and I thought it may be of some interest. Article from the Baton Rouge Business Report.

Among those who sew, Baton Rouge-based Allbrands.com is one of the best-known purveyors of sewing machines and related equipment, with five stores in Louisiana and an Internet presence that has dominated the market since the early days of the World Wide Web. Now the company is expanding into Texas. Earlier this summer, it acquired an existing sewing machine retailer in Houston—Sew Contempo—for $650,000, and it plans to continue growing in the Lone Star State. "We see tremendous opportunity in Texas," says Allbrands.com's longtime owner John Douthat, who is also eyeing San Antonio for possible expansion. Allbrands.com has been around since the mid-1970s, first as a franchisee of the Stretch and Sew company, then later as an independent retailer of dozens of brands of sewing, quilting, embroidery and fabric-care equipment and appliances. In the 1980s it owned 10 stores in Louisiana and Mississippi. But in the early 1990s, on the advice of Douthat's then-teenage son, the company put its products on the web and quickly became the largest online sewing machine retailer in the country. "We closed half of the stores to concentrate on our online business," says Douthat, who estimates online sales once comprised 80% of all sales. Now, ironically, the company is again focusing on its brick-and-mortar storefronts, as the Internet has become saturated with virtual big-box competitors like Amazon.com, and online sales now account for just half of Allbrands.com's more than $10 million in revenues. "Retail is much more profitable than Internet," Douthat says. "So all our efforts are being devoted to expansion of retail not expansion of Internet."

Edited to add - I am in no way associated with this company
-- Edited on Today at 11:50 AM --
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Bernina 700 Embroidery only; B780; 475QE; Bernina L890;Bernina Designworks; Floriani Total Control
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 7/21/14 11:55 AM ET
Always listen to the younger generation's words of wisdom!

I have purchased off and on from this company for many years via the Internet.
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 9/21/07
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Posted on: 7/21/14 12:38 PM ET
Wait, what? Sew Contempo? Nooooo! That's my Bernina dealer! And unlike a lot of Bernina dealers folks have issues with they have been terrific to me.

Actually I've suspected something would happen. When founder Marsha and her husband Gerry wanted t retire, they sold the shop to a lady who doesn't actually sew. I mean she's nice enough but it just hasn't been a good fit. I've noticed the last few times I was in the shop, if it wasn't a sale day, there was hardly anyone there. Not a good sign when there are more employees than customers.
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Tess

"I am a degenerate art supply junkie" - Jane Davenport
“I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch." - Gilda Radner
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 7/21/14 1:42 PM ET
Well, I certainly hope that they get around to improving their local, brick and mortar customer service, not just expanding it.
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When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
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Posted on: 7/21/14 2:45 PM ET
Through the years, I've purchased a few things from them - most noteably my Elna 925 serger that was evidently sold to Allbrands to dump when the 945 was released. I hesitated to buy because there were a few people who seemed to have bad experiences, but I went ahead and purchased it and have never been sorry. All my experiences were good. That Dad was smart to listen to his young son.

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Member since 8/18/10
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Posted on: 7/22/14 6:46 AM ET
I don't live anywhere near allBrands but would love to see their store. Their SewForum was my first online Board. I don't understand why the Board participation has declined over the years. Probably because is has become mostly amateur machine embroidery digitizers giving away "untested" designs. It used to be a very active and interesting Board.

Sandy
-- Edited on Today at 6:47 AM --
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Janome-gal. 9700, 9900, 1030, 11000D (serger)
  
Member since 4/14/12
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Posted on: 1/9/15 7:20 PM ET
My experience with Allbrands.com - I was really really scared by some of the posts on these forums about AllBrands.com. I found some items I really wanted at an extremely good price, but they were expensive, so I googled for reviews of the company. A few postings on this website were scathing and scared me. But a few reviews were favorable, so I took a chance, thinking I could protest the credit card charge if I did not receive the shipment. Well, the sale was PERFECT - the emails were nice and informative, and I received the very well-packed shipment in 2 days. I have no connection with them, just found this great deal through a google search.
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 1/9/15 7:28 PM ET
In reply to So Blessed
Quote: So Blessed
My experience with Allbrands.com - I was really really scared by some of the posts on these forums about AllBrands.com. I found some items I really wanted at an extremely good price, but they were expensive, so I googled for reviews of the company. A few postings on this website were scathing and scared me. But a few reviews were favorable, so I took a chance, thinking I could protest the credit card charge if I did not receive the shipment. Well, the sale was PERFECT - the emails were nice and informative, and I received the very well-packed shipment in 2 days. I have no connection with them, just found this great deal through a google search.

Me too!
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 1/9/15 10:13 PM ET
The first time I contacted them, a very nice man spent all kinds of time checking the manual on an inexpensive machine I was considering, to find answers to my questions. It was years later that I realized the nice man was John, the owner. I'd have no hesitation about buying anything from them.
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“Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.” -Robert Heinlein and Ann's father. Thanks for the reminder, Ann.

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket?

Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)
The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'



  
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