The retail emporium for fabrics branded as Joann (previously Jo-Ann Fabrics) has long been a go-to spot for crafters and quilters, as well as a critical resources for homemakers in need of new drapes, who couldn’t find anything they liked and were determined to just sew it themselves. And for harried parents whose children had informed them of a last-minute school assignment, Joann could seem like a life- (or at least grade) saver. For its eight decades in business, Joann was more than just a store; it was an institution.

The closure of the entire chain thus promises to do more than make it more difficult to find brightly colored skeins of wool and rolls of fabric. It threatens some favorite memories, held dear by crafty shoppers. Respondents to a recent survey seemed overwhelmingly upset upon hearing the news. In expressing their deep disappointment, they explained that Joann was their favored source of materials and support for their crafting projects. Avid sewers made up over half of these respondents, but just as many of them chose Joann as a place to find crafty, creative ideas for their holiday décor.

With so much affection from so many consumers, how did Joann get to this point? When the company filed for bankruptcy in 2024, it represented a strategic move, away from its public listing, as well as an attempt to reduce its debts. But what began as a few store closures, designed to save costs, grew to include the entire chain, such that following an announcement in February, every store had closed by the end of May. During the bankruptcy process, Joann’s holdings were liquidated, and a financial services firm called GA Group acquired the rights. It appears that these investors were the ones who chose to close the doors.

Customers seeking patterns, fabric, and knickknacks have some alternative options, including direct competitors like Hobby Lobby or Michaels. General merchandise retailers, including Walmart and Target, also might seek to appeal to Joann’s base, and of course, many of them already likely have visited online sources for their craft needs. But for those shoppers for whom the feel of a Joann store is installed in their memories, the alternatives suffer by comparison.

Discussion Questions

1. Did you ever visit a Joann store? If not, what was the go-to crafting store in your area, and why do you think it was the most popular option?
2. How can Joann’s competitors work to attract as much of its former customer base as possible? Should local or independent craft stores consider this good news?

Sources: Sara Ruberg, “Joann, 80-Year-Old Crafts and Fabrics Retailer, Will Close All Stores,” The New York Times, February 24, 2025; Tatiana Walk-Morris, “Joann Shoppers to Shift Purchases to Michaels, Hobby Lobby,” Retail Dive, February 27, 2025; “Last of the Joann Fabrics Stores Set to Close this Weekend,” NBC 10 News, May 31, 2025.