Craft stores and such

[Former_Member]

I know somewhere on here I read something about craft stores and wondering where they stand with this. So today I talked to the A.C.Moore manager who has never heard of any of it. This is from the #1 store in the chain. So apparently the large retail stores aren't even aware. Hmm.

[Former_Member]

None of my local craft stores were aware of it either and asked me to bring information when I come in next.

[taffyknits]

I've been wondering about that too. How can they not be aware of it? We're scrambling like crazy.

[Former_Member]

That is just crazy!!! How can they not know?!? I would think that this is going to impact their sales...

[Former_Member]

it is def. going to impact their sales -

[Former_Member]

I was away for a couple of weeks, and came back to find the forums containing quite a few discussions about this topic. What, exactly, is the issue? Sorry to be so uninformed...

[Former_Member]

I noticed that Paris Hilton (yes that Paris) is about to launch a set of children's crafting kits ... I wonder how aware she is of the laws? I bet she'd make a great spokeswoman for our cause since people are so fascinated by her!

[Former_Member]

Seems strange to me that there are so many people and business that are unaware of something that will have a major impact on so many.

[Former_Member]

I talked with the lawyer of Joanne Fabrics. They will be posting a FAQ section on the web site soon. At least that is what he said.

In general craft stores etc. do not need to know this law as everything they order goes through the corporate office. The lawyer at Joanne told me they have been testing everything intended for children 12 and under since November 2008.

They do not test buttons. And there are many things that are not specifically intended for children 12 and under that many of us use in our end product.

Staff at Joann Fabrics did not know about this law until I brought it to their attention. They are safe in the articles that are sold for the intention of getting into the hands of this age group. They are not required to test anything that is non specific to this group of 12 and under.

It is our responsibility to buy accordingly and buy only what has been properly tested. So when you buy be sure you know what age group each item is intended for.

Unfortunately the CPSIA law has not even granted us the priviledge to buy our raw materials accordingly. Hopefully that change is coming.

[Former_Member]

But wouldn't the stores have to have some kind of proof available that each item was tested according to the law? How would you know if the item was tested or not?

[Former_Member]

I don't know. I think it's one of those - buy and use at your own risk. The store knows 'they are covered'.

and I think the proof is derived straight from the coporate headquarters, all these craft stores are franchaises and under the rules, laws and regulations of the corporate offices. 'Their' lawyer knows what is deemed specifically for 12 and under and they are covered.

It may be that in the near future the items will have to be marked.

I was at Joann this weekend and looked at a couple of items that are specifically for this age group. I did not see anything that says CPSIA approved but I don't think,(and i don't know) but i don't think that this whole problem has been specifically outlined and or people and companies told what has to be done to make the the public knows which products are affected by the law. And I think part of that problem is because the law is still going through changes.