Joann, a long-time favorite among crafters and quilters, is on the verge of closure as it prepares to shut down over half of its 800 stores nationwide. The company’s second bankruptcy filing in less than a year will likely have a devastating impact on its loyal customer base.
For many, Joann was more than just a store – it was a sanctuary where they could find joy and therapeutic fulfillment through crafting. For quilters, knitters, and fiber artists like Jen Clapp, who has been visiting the store since she was a girl, Joann represented a world of possibilities and inspiration. “My grandmother took me to that Joann, and I still go to it,” Clapp said, her voice filled with emotion.
The closure will disproportionately affect smaller specialty stores, which are few and far between. “I’ve gone to the smaller boutique stores, but nothing really has the same selection as a Joann,” Clapp added. As a result, many crafters like Laura Christobek will be forced to search for alternative sources for their supplies.
Founded in 1943, Joann was once a leader in the craft retail sector alongside competitors like Michaels and Hobby Lobby. However, with the surge in popularity of crafting during the pandemic coming to an end, the company has struggled to stay afloat. “Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for Joann,” the company stated.
For those who will be affected by the closure, it’s not just about losing a source of supplies – it’s about losing a sense of community and inspiration. As Sally Shore, a fiber artist, said, “When I need something there, I don’t just buy what I need, I’ll end up going up and down the aisles and get inspired to grab materials off the shelves.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/style/joann-bankruptcy-reactions.html