The first ever Craftsman Experience store opened this evening in Chicago. Designed to be a DIY and enthusiast haven, the Craftsman Experience will feature Craftsman tools as far as the eye can see, with most if not all tools available for hands-on demos. There will be a workshop and space for projects, how-to clinics, demonstrations, restorations, and much, much more.
Right now there is only one Craftsman Experience location, but hopefully more are in the works. For those of us not anywhere near downtown Chicago, frequent online updates and event viewing has been promised.
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Right now we know that events will be tailored for woodworkers, carpenters, mechanics, lawn and garden enthusiasts and DIYers of all skill levels. We heard something about a Corvette rebuild, catapults, and picnic tables with attached keg coolers, and will share any additional info that we receive.
Now all I need is a Craftsman Experience store within 100 miles of NYC and I’ll be happy. When we first posted about Craftsman’s new online portal nearly one and a half years ago, I exclaimed that a standalone brick and mortar should we be something. Hopefully my wish for a closer location comes true as well.
Craftsman Experience via Facebook (click on the Experience tab)
uthscsaedu
I’m really confused by Craftsman. They are importing more tools, but opening exciting stores like this. I would love a hands-on experience like this.
teicher
This is a great idea, reminds me of a Sony destination-type store where you can go and actually see everything in one place. I’d love to check it out, but Chicago is a long drive for me!
rob
Craftsman sure seems to be changing up a lot lately. Makes me wonder if SHC long term plans are to spin off Craftsman, Die Hard, and Kenmore into a seperate comapny. In my local area we have Craftsman tools for sale at Orchard Supply Hardware (SHC), KMart (SHC), Sears (SHC), plus ACE hardware selling some Craftsman braded tools. Seems 3 of those stores are within 2 miles of each other on the same street. Times have sure changed when Craftsman could only be found at Sears stores in the local mall.
As for the Craftsman Expeirence, I think it’s a great idea and would be a fun place to visit. I wonder though how many tools they will sell through this concept versus how much of it will just become a tourist stop while people are in Chicago? They sure were hyping it via their Twitter posts all day yesterday.