The End of an Era: Joann Closes Its Doors After 80 Years

Joann, a beloved institution in the craft and fabric retail industry, is set to close all 800 of its locations across the U.S., marking the end of an 80-year journey. This announcement sends shockwaves through the crafting community, leaving many to mourn the loss of a retailer that has been a staple for generations. Joann’s closure is not just the end of a business; it’s the end of an era for crafters, sewists, and DIY enthusiasts who have relied on its extensive selection of fabrics, sewing supplies, and crafting materials.

A Changing Retail Landscape: Why Joann’s Closure Matters

The closure of Joann is the latest in a series of retail casualties as the industry continues to evolve in the face of e-commerce and shifting consumer habits. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores have struggled to compete with online retailers, which offer convenience, competitive prices, and the ability to shop from home. Joann’s financial struggles, including declining foot traffic and increased competition from online platforms, ultimately led to its bankruptcy earlier this year. Despite efforts to restructure its debt and stay afloat, the company was unable to recover, leaving no choice but to liquidate its assets and close its doors.

The Rise of Michaels: A Dominant Player in the Market

While Joann’s closure leaves a void in the craft and fabric supply industry, its competitor, Michaels, remains a strong and dominant player in the market. Michaels, which operates around 1,200 stores nationwide, has managed to maintain its presence and adapt to the changing retail landscape. The company’s ability to balance its brick-and-mortar locations with an online presence has helped it stay competitive. As Joann’s stores close, Michaels is well-positioned to absorb some of Joann’s displaced customers, particularly those who are loyal to the crafting community.

What’s Next for Joann and the Crafting Community

Joann’s assets have been acquired by GA Group, which will oversee the wind-down of operations and manage the liquidation sales. These sales are expected to continue for several weeks, offering customers the opportunity to purchase remaining inventory at discounted prices. While the closure of Joann leaves a gap in the fabric and craft supply industry, Michaels and other online retailers are likely to fill the void. Michaels, in particular, may expand its offerings to cater to Joann’s former customer base, especially in the fabric category, which has been a hallmark of Joann’s business.

Michaels’ Map: Where to Find Craft Supplies Now

For customers seeking alternatives to Joann, Michaels provides a convenient way to locate its stores nationwide. The company’s official store locator allows customers to find their nearest Michaels location by entering their city or ZIP code. This tool not only helps customers find stores but also provides details on store hours, available products, and directions. Michaels has a presence in every U.S. state except Hawaii, making it a readily accessible option for crafters and DIY enthusiasts.

A Message from Joann and the Road Ahead

In a statement, Joann expressed its gratitude to its customers, employees, and communities for their support over the past 80 years. The company acknowledged the efforts of its leadership, board, and advisors to pursue a more favorable outcome but ultimately accepted the need to wind down operations. As Joann prepares to exit the market, Michaels and other retailers are poised to step in and meet the needs of the crafting community. While the closure of Joann marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to new opportunities for other retailers to fill the gap and innovate in the ever-evolving craft and fabric supply industry.