Across the UK, There Are Hundreds of Independent Wool and Yarn Shops Working Hard on A

Across the UK, there are hundreds of independent wool and yarn shops working hard on a daily basis to create a fantastic service to crafters, and to make a living for themselves. Currently, when internet sales are increasing on a daily basis this can sometimes prove to be a tireless task.

To try and improve what we do and the conditions in which we do it a group of shop owners have come together to form AIYSO – Association of Independent Yarn Shop Owners.

The purpose of the association will be to act as a voice for its members within the industry, including dealing with stockists, sharing relevant information and running/ hosting events, which will promote wool and yarn shops in a positive way.

By giving independent yarn shops a voice, sharing knowledge, developing skills and inspiring innovation AIYSO hopes to shape the future of bricks and mortar shops in the market place.

We hope that by working together we will be able to promote the value of high street yarn shops to those who knit and crochet, in an attempt to compete against the huge online warehouses that constantly undercut prices and offer discounts none of us can afford to compete with.

We are all passionate about our industry and don’t want to see the demise of the high street yarn shop. We believe that by running classes, workshops and knit and natter groups we can encourage more people into the craft, improve skills and generally spread the love of knitting and crochet. We offer advice and help with choosing patterns, picking colours, finding the right yarn for the right pattern and so many other things that buying online just cannot offer.

Benefits to AIYSO members include discounts from some suppliers (and we are constantly working to increase the number involved), magazine campaigns to promote local yarn shops, and partnerships with main suppliers who are very willing to give support.

We are working in partnership with the UK Hand Knitting Association and the Knitting and Crochet Guild. We are also pleased to be working with Aceville, publishers of Let's Knit magazine and we support the aims of their successful Yarn Shop Day campaign.

There has been a huge amount of interest throughout the industry for this new association. The advantage of working in partnership to improve relationships and increase public awareness has been welcomed by all.

For further information regarding AIYSO and to become a member please visit

Contact Details:

Address: AIYSO

31 Colchester Road

Ipswich

Suffolk

IP43BT

Tel:01472 508707 (Kate, A Good Yarn, Cleethorpes)