Joann to Close All Remaining Stores and Cease Operations

Joann, the beloved fabric and crafts retailer with a history spanning more than 80 years, has announced it will close all of its stores nationwide, marking the end of an era for the iconic chain. Known for its wide selection of fabrics, yarns, sewing supplies, and home decor items, Joann has been a staple for hobbyists, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts across the country.

The company, which once operated hundreds of stores, has struggled to stay afloat in recent years, ultimately filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time. This decision comes after the retailer failed to find a buyer willing to keep its stores open, leading to the closure of all remaining locations.

Joann’s decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including weak sales, increased competition from online retailers, and shifting consumer preferences. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to close 500 of its approximately 800 stores while keeping 300 locations operational. However, after failing to secure a buyer, Joann made the difficult decision to shut down entirely.

In a statement posted on its restructuring website, the company cited “significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment” as well as its “current financial position and constrained inventory levels” as key reasons for the closures. A Joann spokesperson added that the company “made every possible effort to pursue a more favorable outcome that would keep the company in business,” but ultimately, those efforts were unsuccessful.

This is not the first time Joann has faced financial turmoil. The retailer initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2024, briefly emerging from court supervision before declaring bankruptcy again in January of this year. Despite attempts to restructure and stabilize its operations, the company could not overcome the mounting pressures of a rapidly changing retail landscape. Financial services company GA Group, along with Joann’s lenders, has since acquired the retailer’s assets.

The new owners are now conducting going-out-of-business sales at all remaining store locations, with discounts also available on Joann’s website. Store closure dates will be announced through the company’s website and app, according to a FAQ posted by Joann.

The impact of Joann’s closure extends beyond its financial struggles. For decades, the retailer has been a community hub for crafters, offering not only supplies but also workshops and classes that brought people together. Many customers have expressed sadness over the news, sharing memories of shopping at Joann for fabric to make quilts, costumes, and home decor.

The company acknowledged this sentiment in a statement, saying, “We deeply appreciate our dedicated team members, our customers, and communities across the nation for their unwavering support for more than 80 years.”

Joann’s downfall is emblematic of the challenges faced by many brick-and-mortar retailers in an increasingly digital world. Like other large chains with extensive physical footprints, Joann struggled to compete with online competitors that offer convenience and often lower prices. The rise of e-commerce giants has reshaped consumer behavior, leaving traditional retailers scrambling to adapt. While Joann attempted to modernize its operations and expand its online presence, it was unable to overcome the broader trends affecting the retail industry.

As Joann prepares to close its doors for good, customers are encouraged to use gift cards, which will be valid through February 28. The company’s website is already offering significant discounts on fabrics, yarns, sewing machines, and home decor items. For many, the closures mark the end of an era, as Joann’s stores have long been a cherished destination for creativity and inspiration. While the retailer’s physical presence may soon be gone, its legacy will live on in the countless projects and memories created by its loyal customers over the past eight decades.