CARLSTADT — For more than a decade, knitting and crocheting fanatics have walked its aisles of large bins filled with a vast variety of yarn in all textures and colors. But the Lion Brand Yarn Outlet will soon be closing, shutting down a small sanctuary for those devoted to needlework.
"We will miss each of you," the store told its customers via Facebook after it announced its closing in December.
For customer Darlene Dove, the Lion Brand outlet is closing too soon.
"This is only my second time coming here, and I'm sad to see it go," said Dove. "I have a knitting and crochet group in the Bronx, and this is where I get all my materials."
"This is about the saddest thing I've read," one customer commented on the outlet's Facebook announcement.
The outlet center was the last brick-and-mortar outpost for the Carlstadt-based Lion Brand company, which was founded in 1878 and soon began to make its mark in the fashion world. Vanna White was briefly a spokesperson for the brand, according to its website.
It opened a flagship store, the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, in Manhattan in 2008. That store closed in April 2020.
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Today, Lion Bran yarns are sold online and in craft chains including Michael's and Jo-Ann stores, discount chains and independent stores. It is the leading distributor of knitting and craft yarn in the U.S.
The outlet store on Kero Road in Carlstadt is expected to close for good in late March, although there is no set date. A notice advises customers to call before coming.
The store has inventory marked down 50% and features "three to a pack" or any three packs of yarn at a discount.
Lexa Mingo took advantage of the store-closing prices on Thursday to stockpile some supplies. "Projects can get pricey, especially now, and half-price is incredible," said Mingo.
The outlet is currently open limited hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After Feb. 13, days will be cut back. Check the Lion Brand Outlet Facebook page for last-minute changes.