The End of an Era: Joann’s Closure Strikes a Chord with Crafters Nationwide

A Legacy of Creativity and Crafting Comes to an End

For 80 years, Joann, the beloved fabrics and crafts retailer, has been a cornerstone for quilters, seamstresses, and crafters of all kinds. From vibrant yarns and fabric rolls that filled entire aisles to sewing machines and seasonal supplies, Joann’s stores have been a haven for creative expression. However, the latest chapter in Joann’s history marks the end of an era, as the company announced the closure of all its stores amidst ongoing financial turmoil.

The news of Joann’s shutdown has sent shockwaves through the crafting community, leaving many loyal customers heartbroken. Stacey Brumfield, a 38-year-old crafter from Alexandria, Louisiana, summed up the sentiment: “Whatever you needed, they probably had it, and it was going to be the quality you wanted.” For nearly a decade, Brumfield has relied on her local Joann store for yarn and other supplies, and the thought of finding alternatives is daunting. “It’s going to be a lot more difficult,” she said.

Financial Struggles and the Road to Bankruptcy

Joann’s financial troubles have been unfolding for some time. In March 2024, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a move aimed at reducing debt and transitioning the business to private ownership. At the time, Joann attributed its struggles to a challenging retail environment and low sales. By August 2024, the initial bankruptcy process was closed, but the company’s downward spiral continued unchecked.

Fast-forward to February 2025, Joann announced that it would close 500 of its remaining 800 stores as part of its second Chapter 11 filing in less than a year. The company cited “significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment” as a major factor, compounded by its strained financial position and limited inventory. This move marked a turning point, as it became clear that Joann’s efforts to stay afloat were no longer sustainable.

The Auction and the Final chapter

The final nail in the coffin came in late February, when Joann’s assets were auctioned off to the financial services firm GA Group and a lender. The winning bid encompassed “substantially all of JOANN’s assets,” paving the way for GA Group to wind down the company’s operations. As part of this process, all remaining Joann stores will conduct going-out-of-business sales, pending bankruptcy court approval.

Joann’s leadership expressed regret over the outcome, stating that they had “made every possible effort to pursue a more favorable outcome that would keep the company in business.” Despite these efforts, the path forward proved impossible, and the closure of all stores was deemed the only viable option.

The Emotional Toll on Crafters and Suppliers

For crafters like Stacey Brumfield, the loss of Joann is more than just the closure of a store—it’s the end of a trusted resource that has fueled countless creative projects over the years. Brumfield’s local Joann was the only nearby retailer that carried the specific yarn she relied on for her knitting and crocheting. Now, she faces the dilemma of finding alternative suppliers, a task she fears will be “a lot more difficult.”

The closure also raises questions about the future of crafting communities that have long depended on Joann. Many crafters have expressed sadness and nostalgia on social media, sharing memories of hours spent browsing Joann’s aisles and the joy of discovering new supplies. For small businesses and independent crafters, the loss of Joann’s vast inventory and competitive pricing will likely be felt deeply.

What’s Next for Joann and Its Customers

While the exact timeline for store closures and the winding down of operations remains unclear, Joann has confirmed that going-out-of-business sales will begin immediately. The company has also informed its suppliers that it has “generally stopped purchasing goods and services except for those essential to supporting an orderly wind-down of operations.”

For now, customers are encouraged to take advantage of the final sales to stock up on supplies. However, the absence of Joann’s brick-and-mortar stores will leave a gaping hole in the crafting retail landscape. As the company transitions to liquidation, crafters are left to wonder what the future holds for their creative pursuits and where they will turn next for the materials they love.

A Bittersweet Farewell to a Crafting Icon

As Joann prepares to close its doors for the final time, crafters nationwide are saying goodbye to a retailer that has been a constant in their lives for generations. While the financial challenges that led to this outcome are complex, the emotional impact on Joann’s loyal customer base is undeniable.

For many, Joann was more than just a store—it was a hub of creativity, inspiration, and community. As the crafting world mourns the loss of this beloved institution, one thing is clear: Joann’s legacy will live on in the countless projects, memories, and creative journeys it has made possible over the past 80 years.