The world of crafting is losing a big piece. Joann, the well-known fabric and craft supplies store, is closing more than 255 of its stores across the U.S. by next week’s end. This is only the start of a wider plan to shut down all its locations across the country by April end.
Joann Store Closures Have Already Begun
Most of the stores have already shut down. Others are on the verge of closing in the next few days. These closures are being done rapidly. By early May, the second round of shutdowns will commence. And, this will bring to an end Joann’s 80-year existence as a retail giant in crafts.
Joann Bankruptcy: From Chapter 11 Filing to Full Shutdown
Joann initially petitioned for bankruptcy in January 2025. That’s when the chain said it would close 500 stores. Executives hoped to sell the remaining locations to a new owner. But things moved quickly.
Only two weeks later, the bankruptcy announcement, Joann made permanent the closing of all its stores. GA Group, a company renowned for overseeing retail liquidations, acquired the retailer. As part of the acquisition agreement, Joann initiated going-out-of-business sales in all the stores.
Michigan Hit Hard: 14 Joann Stores Closing
Some areas are experiencing more closings than others. Michigan alone is losing 14 stores this month. Many of those are already closed, with the rest to close by the end of April. Other states are going through similar closures, leaving faithful customers scrambling to go one more time.
Joann’s Thank You Message to Customers and Employees
In a public announcement, Joann thanked its communities:
“We truly thank our loyal team members, our customers, and communities nationwide for their steadfast support for over 80 years.”
This touching note was a goodbye message to the millions of Americans who depended on Joann for fabric, crafting supplies, and DIY ideas.
Why Joann Fabric Stores Are Closing: Behind the Struggles
Joann had its moment during the COVID-19 pandemic. With people stuck at home, crafting and sewing became a big trend again. Sales went up. But once life returned to normal, Joann struggled to keep up with change.
High inflation, increasing rent charges, and the increasing dominance of online stores had their toll. Joann’s in-store experience couldn’t match the speed and prices of the e-commerce behemoths. Ultimately, the losses became too much.
Joann Liquidation Sales: Huge Discounts Before Closing
Currently, the majority of Joann locations are having clearance sales. Discounts are location-dependent, but customers can anticipate discounts on fabric, sewing machines, craft kits, and more. These sales will run until each location closes or runs out of stock.
Customers are urged to visit their local Joann for bargains before it’s too late.
Impact on Joann Employees and Local Communities
The closures impact more than consumers. Thousands of Joann workers are now at risk of losing their jobs. Some of them received word of the closure announcements with little warning. Families are also losing a important location for creativity, learning, and family memories.
On social media, former customers are posting tearful messages. Some remember learning to sew from a parent or purchasing supplies for school projects. Joann stores were frequently a destination for generations of creators.
What Will Happen to Joann Store Locations?
It is not known what will become of Joann’s empty store locations. Some could be rented to new retailers. Others could remain vacant, joining the list of closed shopping centers in the U.S.
One thing is for sure: Joann’s departure signals the end of an era.
Final Farewell: The End of Joann Fabrics and Crafts
Joann was not merely a shop. For more than 80 years, it was a source of creativity, passion, and community. As more than 255 stores shut down by next week and all the rest by May crafters nationwide bid farewell to a brand that made their visions possible.
