Had to check and see if I had weighed in on this one. My job puts me on the road throughout the Midwest. As a result, I can hunt down Woodcraft in various cities and after a couple of visits, I often get asked by managers or owners how they compare or what I like about different stores.
Remember that Woodcraft is primarily a franchise, with stores owned by individuals. As such, there is a lot of inconsistency and variation.
First, the two not only m the Midwest. What I refer to as North Houston off of 1960 and South Houston, which I think was off one of the loops. South Houston was a great store, lots of space, dedicated training facilities, great wood supply and put their clearance in a single area and their sale items in another area (when possible). Quality staff and not bad to get to.
North Houston WAS kinda cramped but they have relocated. Not as broad of a wood supply but some good bulk deals. They also had about everything, well staffed and easy to get to. A good store.
Indianapolis has a very good store. Decent room, now has a separate training room, great staff, less of a wood selection but they are now getting good bulk buys that aren't advertised. Indy has the most engaging and interested staff I have found, and several Pen turners. It is cumbersome to get to.
Louisville has the worst Woodcraft I have been to. It has a decent space and is potential. Wood selection is minimal and picked through. Stick is often depleted, sale items very limited. Good staff typically doesn't stay long. Staff tend to openly gripe about the store, management and ownership. A change of ownership/management could make this a good store, but I obviously do not know what the constraints are at this location. One of the few I will simply drive by.
Dayton has some potential but may be a newer store. Only been there once but old sale prices were up, inventory was sitting around in boxes and the staff seemed to lack engagement.
Columbus, Ohio is a fantastic facility. Great wood selection and very nice layout. Staff is a little hit or miss, they have some solid folks and some who seem less so. Tend to have about everything in stock and a few special deals like bulk wood or off-cut discounts.
Greater Chicago area I still struggle to find my way back to the same store. Need to remember to save in GPS. I know there is a very good one and one that is less so.
Cincinnati has smaller cramped store that still manages to be very good. They do run out of sale stuff on occasion but also have several other deals going on and a strong pen interest.
These are only my opinions and others may differ.
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