Ballyhoo Fiber Emporium in Bagdad, Kentucky is one of many retailers that will be participating in Local Yarn Store Day this year.
Photos courtesy of Madeline Rosenberg
Local Yarn Store Day is a celebration of local, brick and mortar yarn shops all over the world. The event brings customers into stores during a time of year when small retailers welcome a boost. Originated by The National Needle Arts Association (TNNA), Local Yarn Store Day is continuing this year on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
For Madeline Rosenberg, owner of Ballyhoo Fiber Emporium in Bagdad, Kentucky, this year’s event is going to be very special. “This year, Local Yarn Store Day coincides with our spring Shearapalooza! You’ll be able to watch the Ballyhoo flock get sheared and buy fleeces straight off the skirting table,” Rosenberg says.
“We’ve invited other shepherds to join us on the day so you can meet them – kind of like getting your yarn autographed! “
The yarn shop is housed in a 100-year-old general store with original beadboard windows, and wood floor. Located halfway between Lexington and Louisville Kentucky, they carry local fiber and handmade notions for makers and ethical shoppers alike. Their flock includes Shetland, Icelandic, Finn, Finn/Cormo cross, and Gotland sheep and they offer private spinning lessons and are happy to connect fiber artists with local mentors, guilds, producers, and other resources.
“Curating fiber and supplies ensures everything we sell is ethically made, and everything you buy directly supports traditional crafts,” Rosenberg adds. “As the pandemic shut down so many vending outlets, our community connections proved even more important in keeping small farms afloat.”
Rosenberg in her shop.
Celebrating Local Yarn Store Day at the shop in your area is a way to show your support of small businesses, pulling together to celebrate fiber, each other, and the power of hope and togetherness.
Shop owners who would like to participate in Local Yarn Store Day this year can upload their information to the Local Yarn Shop Day website to let everyone know you’re participating. Consider collaborating with vendors and designers.
New this year, we’re excited to be hosting a free online training to help make Local Yarn Store Day a success. Gwen Bortner will be joining us on Thursday, March 3 at 8 pm EST/5 pm PST to share her expertise. Yarn shop owners, learn how you can make the most of Local Yarn Store day this year! You’ll learn practical tips you can implement now to make Local Yarn Store Day a success this April.
Gwen will share:
- Marketing ideas that build excitement and bring customers into your store
- Collaborations and upsells that generate more revenue and increase brand loyalty
- Strategies to create a low cost, profitable event you can do year after year
Retailers, don’t miss out on this free 30-minute training brought to you by the Local Yarn Store Day committee of TNNA. RSVP right now.