News Summary

Joann Fabric Stores has announced the closure of all its locations across the United States following the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, in business since 1943, struggled to find a buyer after initially planning to close 500 stores. The final 790 locations are expected to shut down by the end of May, marking a significant loss for craft enthusiasts. Liquidation sales with discounts of 40% to 70% are ongoing as customers seek to find deals before the stores close for good.

Joann Fabric Stores to Close All Locations Amid Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

In a significant turn of events for craft enthusiasts across the nation, Joann Fabric Stores has announced the closure of all its locations in the United States. This closure marks the end of an era for a beloved craft retailer that has been in business since 1943.

The decision comes after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, sparking concerns about its financial health. Initially, Joann had plans to close around 500 stores as part of its restructuring efforts. However, as the situation unfolded, it became clear that these measures were insufficient, and the company had to take drastic actions.

By February, Joann came to terms with the hard reality—its entire network of 790 locations would be shutting down after failing to secure a buyer. The closing has left multiple communities, particularly those that cherish their local Joann, feeling a sense of loss.

On April 24, the Joann store at the Village Mall in Methuen, Massachusetts, closed its doors for good, followed closely by the North Dartmouth location on April 26. A wave of additional closures rolled out on April 28, which included stores in Leominster, Hyannis, and Hadley in Massachusetts, as well as locations in Belmont and Hooksett in New Hampshire. This string of closures illustrated the swift unraveling of a once-thriving retail staple.

Among the other locations shuttered were stores in the West Lebanon Target plaza in New Hampshire, which closed on April 22, and a Seabrook store that followed suit on April 26. All remaining Joann stores across the country are expected to shut down by the end of May, bringing an abrupt end to the fabric and craft chain that has been a go-to for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Despite the sadness of closure, many stores are currently holding massive liquidation sales offering discounts ranging from 40% to 70%. Customers can snag great deals while supplies last, which may include everything from fabric and craft supplies to store fixtures and furniture.

In Massachusetts, some locations are still open at the moment, including Billerica, Burlington, East Walpole, Hanover, Ludlow, Middleton, Milford, Natick, North Attleboro, Pittsfield, Raynham, Saugus, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, and Westford. Meanwhile, New Hampshire residents can still shop at Joann stores in Concord, Nashua, Newington, and Rochester, at least for a little while longer.

As part of the restructuring, the company had ceased all online sales earlier this year and stopped accepting gift cards in March, leaving many customers frustrated and unable to redeem their cards. This has raised some eyebrows, as many loyal patrons were unable to use what they had considered a great option for crafting goodies before the stores bite the dust.

Joann’s journey has had its ups and downs. After going public in 2021, it amassed over $2.44 billion in total debts, a clear signal of its troubled financial state. It’s a bittersweet moment for loyal customers as they prepare to say goodbye to a store that provided not just materials for crafts, but a sense of community for many creators and makers across the country.

As the last Joann Fabric Stores prepare to close their doors, it’s essential for the avid crafting community to find new avenues for their creative endeavors. The closure will certainly leave a void, but the spirit of creativity lives on in every project crafted by those who once turned to Joann.