Herrschners Inc.

Begun as a pushcart business on the south side of Chicago in 1899, Herrschners has grown to offer the largest selection of craft items worldwide. From mail-order catalogs to a local retail store and warehouse sales that draw crowds from near and far, Herrschners is every crafter’s dream.

Frederick Herrschner, a young German immigrant, was among the many street vendors selling their wares from pushcarts on the streets of Chicago. Frederick sold sewing notions from his pushcart, building a reputation for providing quality products to many satisfied customers.

It was during this time that America saw tremendous growth out West, luring many of Frederick’s customers along as well. However, once settled in their communities, many found they were unable to find the quality products they were accustomed to purchasing. Soon Frederick began receiving letters requesting he mail his customers the goods and notions they needed. This gave Frederick the idea to launch a catalog company to sell his merchandise to those who had no other outlet to purchase the quality products he offered. In the early years, Herrschners found itself in good company among other catalog companies such as Sears, JCPenney and Spiegel, which were operating nearby.

Frederick operated the business from various locations in Chicago until his death in 1929. At that time the company was sold and remained in Chicago until 1970 when Quaker Oats purchased it. It was during this time that many vacationers from Chicago traveled through Stevens Point on their way “up north”. One of these many travelers was a former business owner who was drawn to the quality of life and solid work ethic of the people in the community and felt that Stevens Point would be a great place to relocate the business. With the exception of the Marketing Division, Herrschners has called Stevens Point home ever since. In 1993, the Marketing Division moved north and joined the rest of the company.

Herrschners has 150-plus employees, many who started with the company when it moved to Stevens Point in the early ’70s. It is common for employees to brainstorm and come up with catalog designs and layouts, which are then completed in-house. Many employees are extremely talented crafters who enjoy the challenge of working on a new project from start to finish. They also get involved with product and kit designs, as well as making new “samples” to feature in the catalog or in the retail store.

Company buyers travel the world in search of unique, high quality craft items to include in the catalog. With many of the U.S. manufacturers discontinuing production of classic, lower quantity kits and craft items, buyers must now travel outside the country to make their selections. Today, large chain stores control the inventory selection, limiting kit and product choices and stifling the creativity of craft designers.

Not only does Herrschners purchase items worldwide, but they also ship worldwide. Orders are primarily received via the company website, over the phone, or through the mail. January is the largest month for orders as crafters begin working on projects to be shared or used during the upcoming Christmas season.

In addition to operating the company store and producing its craft catalogs, Herrschners publishes Cross-Stitch & Needlework, a glossy high-quality bi-monthly magazine filled with designs and patterns; Gimbel & Sons, a catalog dedicated to collectibles and gifts; and Calli & Co., for those who enjoy paper crafts, just to name a few. Aside from its main website, Herrschners also maintains a site called yarnsale.com that offers “specials of the week.”

Herrschners carries a product line to fit nearly every crafter’s need, from the vast yarn selection for knitting and crocheting to the hottest craft trends featuring beading and scrapbooking supplies, cross-stitch, quilting, and embroidery products, and much more. A variety of classes are offered in the retail store for those wanting to learn a new craft skill, or expand on a craft they already know.

Herrschners continues to sponsor the largest annual afghan competition, with top winners being flown in for several days of shopping, touring, award recognition dinners and enjoyment of meeting the staff and other crafters. The number of afghan entries increased this year, making the judging even more difficult. Some of the patterns are purchased by the company and offered for sale to the public. You can see photos of a collection of award-winning afghans from previous years in books titled Herrschners® Blue-Ribbon Afghans and More Herrschners® Blue-Ribbon Afghans.

To view the wide selection of craft items available, visit their website at Herrschners.com. You’ll be glad you did!