Joann, a national retailer specializing in fabrics and crafts, has completed the closure of approximately 800 of its stores in 49 states. The last of the stores permanently ceased operations on May 31, following the company’s announcement in February that it was officially shutting down after 80 years of market operations.
The closures come after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The bankruptcy proceedings culminated in an auction where the retailer’s remaining assets were eventually sold to financial services company GA Group and pre-bankruptcy term loan agency. The winning bidder then initiated winding-up procedures at the remaining stores.
A week before Joann announced the closure of all its stores, the company had already begun closing 500 stores nationwide under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, which were initiated on January 15. This is the second bankruptcy filing for the crafts retailer in less than a year, with the previous reorganization completed in April 2024, resulting in the company’s delisting from the stock exchange and becoming a private entity.
The company cited “significant and persistent challenges” in the retail environment combined with its financial condition and constrained inventory levels as reasons for its distress. In its latest statement provided as part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Joann said: “We are committed to working constructively with the successful bidder to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations that minimizes impacts to all stakeholders. We sincerely thank our dedicated team members, customers, and communities across the country for their unwavering support for more than 80 years.”
Court documents filed by Joann shed further light on the factors that led to its financial distress. In particular, the company cited “unexpected reductions in production, and in some cases, complete cessation of production of key JOANN inventory products” as a key reason for its decision to file for bankruptcy. The sudden disruption to the supply chain resulted in a loss of revenue, which, according to the documents, left Joann without sufficient cash to repay outstanding debt.
Joann initially planned to close a portion of its stores in an effort to maximize the company’s overall value in preparation for the auction and sale. While there had been hopes that a buyer would emerge willing and able to keep the remaining business operating, the auction ultimately ended with a buyer intent on completely liquidating the company’s operations, resulting in the closure of all physical stores nationwide.
The closure of Joann Fabrics is a significant loss for crafters across the country. Many loyal customers took to social media to express their sadness at the end of a retail giant that served the crafting community for eight decades, providing supplies and instruction for a variety of creative projects, including quilting, crochet and general crafting.
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With the closure of Joann’s physical stores, former customers are looking for other sources. While visiting Joann’s physical stores is no longer an option, Amazon is an online alternative. Shopping expert Mafe Aclado describes it as “a one-stop shop where you can easily find a wide variety of fabrics, yarns, and craft supplies.” Aclado adds that Amazon’s “competitive prices and fast delivery services always go hand in hand with a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.”
Aclado also points out that Amazon offers a customer protection policy and return guarantee. Aclado said, “This enhances the online shopping experience for consumers and adds an extra layer of confidence when making a purchase.” Craft supplies available on Amazon include the Dowsabel Clay Bead 5,000-piece Bracelet Making Kit for $5.99, a 24-piece Acrylic Paint Pen Set for $8.99, and a Beginner Embroidery Kit (4-pack) for $18.99.
For consumers who still prefer to select crafting materials in-store, Hobby Lobby is a viable alternative to Joann. With more than 1,000 stores nationwide, Hobby Lobby offers similar fabrics and crafts.
Mafe Aclado commented on the similarities of Hobby Lobby, saying, “Hobby Lobby’s fabrics and crafts are very similar to those of Joann—but with a much wider selection and often better prices.” She highlighted the benefits of in-store shopping, saying, “At Hobby Lobby, just like at Joann, consumers can browse and experience the products before buying. This way, consumers can still learn about the products and choose between textures and colors, which is very important when selecting fabrics, yarns, and other crafts.”
Another major competitor, Michaels, which has more than 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada, was also highlighted as a choice for Joann’s former customers. Michaels offers a wide variety of products to meet a variety of craft needs, including sewing, quilting, painting and scrapbooking. Mafe Aclado said Michaels offers “a wide variety of products to meet a variety of craft needs from sewing and quilting to painting and scrapbooking,” and its products are “very competitively priced.”
Importantly, Michaels has taken steps to directly fill the gap left by Joann’s closure, acquiring the intellectual property and private labels of its former competitor. The Irving, Texas-based retailer announced the acquisition, noting that it includes development rights to Joann’s Big Twist yarn brand line.
The acquisition comes at a time when Michaels is reporting a significant increase in customer interest in categories previously dominated by Joann. After Joann’s closure, Michaels said fabric searches on its website have increased 77% over the past year, while sewing-related searches have increased 39%. “We are honored for the opportunity to welcome Joann’s customers to our creative community and are committed to providing the selection, value and inspiration they need at Michaels,” Michaels CEO David Boone said in a news release announcing the sale.
Michaels is also expanding its offering of other popular yarn brands such as Bernat, Lion Brand and Red Heart, and adding more than 60 new Loops & Threads yarn options. New sewing machines from Brother and Singer will also be added, as well as new products from Fiskars, Velcro, Coats & Clark and Clover. The retailer confirmed that Pellon sewing and quilting supplies (including batting, stabilizer and sewing thread bags) and Oliso smart irons are new additions to the range.
Michaels has also created a dedicated landing page on its website specifically for Joann’s past customers, designed to help them experience the new shopping experience, with a curated assortment and new product launch information.
While Michaels appears to be positioning itself as the primary successor to Joann customers, especially those seeking the original exclusive brand, other national retailers also offer craft supplies. Walmart, like Amazon, offers a wide selection of craft supplies, but shoppers should check prices carefully, as some items, such as yarn or paint, are sometimes more expensive online than in specialty stores.
The closures of Joann stores are part of a larger trend of layoffs that has affected the U.S. retail landscape. Store closures increased across the country in 2025, with several high-profile retailers announcing plans to close multiple stores. At the start of the new year, Kohl’s and Macy’s announced store closures across the country in the coming months.
Other companies have also confirmed that they will close some of their underperforming stores. Macy’s plans to close 66 stores by 2025 as part of its “Bold New Chapter” strategy. The strategy outlines the closure of approximately 150 underperforming stores by fiscal 2026, while investing in 350 “moving forward” stores. The stores that Macy’s plans to close include stores in downtown Brooklyn, New York, Boynton Beach, Florida, downtown Philadelphia, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa, New York.
Kohl’s has closed its e-commerce distribution center and 27 retail stores in San Bernardino, California by 2025. These layoffs include closing stores in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and other states. Kohl’s CEO Tom Kingsbury said in a statement in January: “We always take these decisions very seriously. As we continue to advance our long-term growth strategy, we must take some difficult but necessary measures to protect the health and future of our business for the benefit of our customers and teams.
As the doors close on one chapter, others are opening or expanding to meet the demand left behind. For dedicated crafters, the quest for fabric, yarn, and supplies continues, now redirecting towards familiar competitors and digital marketplaces, marking a clear pivot in where and how these creative needs will be met in the future.
