August, 2006: This article appeared in the Reno Gazette Journal on August 26th, 2006. It discusses Jimmy Beans and some other hobby / craft stores in the Smithridge Mall where we have been for over 2 years!
ANNIE FLANZRAICH
August 26, 2006
Making crafts requires creativity and the right materials to finish a project. Many stores in the Smithridge Plaza on South Virginia Street and South McCarran Boulevard specialize in one end of the equation.
The walls of Beads Etc., located near Trader Joe's are lined with beads from all over the globe.
"We have the whole world in here," said store manager Dawn Buttner. "You pick it and we've got it."
The store has been at the Smithridge location for four years.
"It's happenin' because of Trader Joe, there's good foot traffic," Buttner said.
The store carries beads made from metal, shells, plastic and precious stones. Buttner, a jewelry maker herself, said because there is so much variety it is hard to pinpoint a particular item that is very popular.
Carl L. Johnson of Reno, 64, has been a customer since his girlfriend interested him in beading. He said the high level of customer service and reasonable prices keep him coming back.
"The service is impeccable and there is a large selection," Johnson said.
Crafters interested in knitting could travel to Jimmy Bean's Wool, located across Smithridge Drive from Beads Etc.
Jimmy Bean's Wool has been at the south Reno location for two years.
"It's a good location," Allison Judge, store manager, said. "People know where South Virginia and McCarran is."
She said the latest trend in knitting is socks, so sock yarn is selling like crazy.
Jimmy Bean's offers a wide variety of wool that might not be offered in other places, Judge said.
"I'm quite sure we have a greater selection, and for the most part it's high-end yarn," Judge said.
Stitch In Time, two stores down from Jimmy Bean's, has been at the same South Virginia Street location for 14 years. Owner Victoria Miller said she has really seen the area grow.
"This has been a great location," Miller said. "We are a very family-oriented type of shopping center."
She said the presence of other crafting stores has helped customers and business.
"People who needle point or cross stitch normally do knit," Miller said. "It's helpful to have us together as one-stop shopping."