Moore’s Sewing Machine & Vacuum Centers

I gave 2 stars cause I’m sure the 3 ladies that worked at the store are nice people, but it just didn’t translate across in our interaction. I’ve read all the other reviews and noticed the same pattern, poor sales people that seem like they’re not interested in helping unless you bought something at the store already or you own a machine they carry.
I got my partner a Singer 4411 for Christmas and we were looking for a starter thread kit. We’re novices to sewing and were looking for some direction as to where to start. We went into the store and the first thing the sales lady tells us is Singers are terrible machines, made with plastic parts that break. I informed her the one I got is heavy duty with a metal frame, she then said they’re all junk and people buy it only because of the name. To be fair, I’m summarizing our interaction, but THAT is definitely not the way to start a customer relationship by telling someone their machine sucks. I know that she’s trying to sell machines in their store, but no one has ever sold something by saying what the customer already owns sucks. Honestly, we left the store with a bad taste. We felt snubbed, bothersome to 3 workers at an empty store, and based on our experience, we wouldn’t go to the FREE basic sewing class, I’d rather pay for a class.
I don’t want to only complain, so, Dear Moore’s, here’s how our experience could’ve been better.
1. All 3 salespeople: DO help someone looking for advice and is «new» to sewing, you need to sell them on how great this hobby is and help them get started. DON’T make them feel dumb by acting like their questions are too simple or a waste of time. I even cued you by saying «Sewing isn’t something everyone knows about these days.» That was your opportunity to sell me!
2. Salesperson helping us: DON’T criticize a customer’s sewing machine. Instead, try saying «That’s a GREAT machine to get started with! Sewing is a wonderful skill and hobby. Once you’ve gained some experience using that machine, there are machines that can do advance patterns, automation, etc.» That’s more encouraging and would’ve peaked my interest in buying a new machine upgrade rather than make me feel like your store snubs people «new» to sewing.
3. All 3 salespeople: In an empty store, DO say hello, even if you aren’t helping us. DON’T walk by us, look, and not say anything or shout random comments across an empty store. It makes everything awkward and weird, like you’re eavesdropping but pretending not to.
4. All 3 salespeople: DON’T make pre-​judgements on whether we will purchase or not. It’s your job to help me understand your products and why I should have it, not my job to convince myself what the product will do for me. If that’s the case, I can just do the research online and buy it online. I bought some over-​priced thread cause I felt bad, but if you want me to purchase a $ 3k plus machine, give me more information and sell it, not just act like «hey, it’s there, buy it or not, whatever. Figure out what you can do with it yourself. I kept asking, what can you do with it and no one can tell me as if I should figure out why I need the machine.

I brought my vacuum in yesterday. Apparently the belt was broken. She fixed it on the spot, showing me how, so that I can do it myself now in the future. Total cost was $ 7. Very nice and very helpful.

SHORT VERSION: It really seems like they aren’t interested in helping, well, at least Gayle D.
GIRL BYE.
LONG VERSION: I came here because a friend of mine loves this store. I signed up for classes with Gayle Deidrick/​diddle? Something Deidrick. She was nice and helpful at first, and then when the class time came, she pretty much kept her help short with me [my machine was a few years older and apparently there have been alot of machines that came out since then).
I had a little more experience with sewing than those who were there as I’ve sewn really basic things such a pillow cases and pillows. The others were first timers. She pretty much paid attention to the others with new machines, WHICH WAS UNDERSTANDABLE; but I asked her questions regarding the step she just told us to do, and she said a few words and walked away [I did not ‘bother’ her or ‘annoy’ her as much as the others, but when I was really lost, I wanted to ask a question]. She also spent alot of time with a few people that had the same EXACT issue, and when l asked about it she pretty much said, «Yeah, old machines will give you alot of problems; just buy a new machine.»
A new machine? I’m all for that, but those suckers are pricey, and I’m really just making simple things for now. My MIL bought that machine for me, and I haven’t really put alot of miles on it.
—-After the class, I stayed to ask about the needles I might need for different things, but she kept helping others, even she said I was next. Racist or passive aggressive? GIRL BYE.

My brother sewing machine has been having some timing issues and kept making a knocking noise. Since I’m still under warranty I called brother who advised me to go to Moore. I walked in and the place was packed! We met a nice girl named Melanie and gave her the scoop on my machine. She looked at me sideways and said «well they won’t really fix that but let’s take a look.» Then she proceeded to spend the next 15 min or so helping and teaching me about my machine. I learned so much and I walked out with a perfectly good working brother! My god, I’m so thankful, sewing centers were quoting me $ 90 – 125 just to look at my issue and she did it for free and all with a smile! Thank you so much — I will be back and will definitely be suggesting Moore to others!

Great store! I received digitizing software, Total Control, as part of a packaged deal when I purchased my Babylock 10-​needle ENTERPRISE. Michael S. teaches free digitizing lessons once a week. My husband and I have learned so much. Starting at zero knowledge, we have digitized and stitched appliqué designs, about 10 embossed monogrammed towels, etc. My husband digitized Japanese kanji (characters) and stitched them on his t-​shirts. Without Michaels great instruction and support, we would not know how to use the software. Moore’s Huntington Beach store not only sells embroidery machines, they provide the support and training. We also attend the free monthly Babylock/​Brother 10-​needle classes taught by Betty E. If you buy an embroidery/​sewing machine, this is the store for you.

I went in with my machine to have it looked at. (I was going crazy with my thread breaking.) I was helped immediately and Robin was able to quickly make a few adjustments, give some much needed tips, and send me on my way with a smile! She even carried my sewing machine out to my car:-) I will definitely be supporting this business with all my sewing needs! Thank You!!!

Just bought a sewing machine at this store. The staff didn’t know the product well enough to even thread it correctly. They didn’t know their inventory of accessories or which ones came with the machine.
It took ½ hour for them to write up the order while they kept getting distracted. And even though I called ahead to confirm they had the model I wanted in stock, they only had the floor model, which was broken. They had to order one for me.
They get one star because they took only two days to get the machine.
The transaction took 2 hours even though I knew what I wanted when I walked in the door. Although the staff were friendly, they were not knowledgeable and were constantly distracted. I went there on a friend’s recommendation. I won’t be going again. I may as well have ordered it online.

Love the staff. Great prices on machines and vacuums. Beautiful fabrics for quilting. Always something hopping at the Moore’s in Huntington Beach (Classes, sales and events).

I recently bought a baby lock embroidery machine (from their outlet center). I wasn’t expecting to find a machine I liked so much at such a good price so I rushed into without learning the ins and outs of embroidery first. So when I walked into the store at Huntington I felt clueless. Luckily a woman named Gidget approached me and answered my questions. She showed me through the store, demonstrated basics for me on a floor model and gave me great insider tips. I went home and started using my machine that day!
When I purchased my machine I was excited about taking the free usage classes which teach you about your machine. However, when I inquired about it, the class was so full that it would be another two months. Granted they noticed the issue and said they could open another class, but I’ll look around for other locations. I came just in time for the sale and got a lot of beginner stuff at a great price. I left the store feeling much better about using my machine and my wallet wasn’t as empty as I was expecting!

The staff is the best. Always available for my sewing question. I highly recommend this store.

Came in on Friday to get my auto threader fixed. Part was $ 12.99 (bought an extra one as well since I hear that they go out a lot) and paid $ 20.00 to have the guy put it on. Bill was very pleasant and even met me there (he is in Rancho Santa Margarita) to replace the part. Still, the repair guy was very nice.
Came back in today because my spool pin (which is plastic) broke off in the middle about 1am last night… I bought the part online but can’t figure out how to get the spool pin on the danged machine. I took off the back screws and then put them back in because I couldn’t figure out how to get the back off and now the upper tension is all messed up… I am very frustrated at this point!
I think this place is great for parts/​notions and some of the trainers and Greg and Brandon are very nice to work with, I just don’t want to take my machine in every time this thing decides to not work… boy they sure don’t make these machines like they used to.

I came in for a simple part for my Singer sewing machine. I had forgotten to write down the model number to bring with me. Instead of a friendly, «come back when you’ve got it and we’ll be happy to help», the woman was demeaning and her tone told me she thought I was an idiot. Maybe she’d had a bad day and a lot of stupid people had come in that day, but if you want to be a successful retail business, you treat each individual with courtesy if you don’t feel friendly. You do *not* try to make them feel stupid or inferior.
My friend in Riverside highly recommended this chain, but I know I won’t ever go back to this store. If I can’t find what I need locally I’ll order off the internet before I give them my business.