Hurry! Beloved chain closing forever soon—See what you can still grab before it’s gone for good
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It’s the end of an era, friends. After more than eight decades of fueling America’s creative spirit, Joann—the iconic craft and fabric retailer—will soon close its doors for good.
If you’ve ever wandered the aisles in search of the perfect yarn, a bolt of cheerful fabric, or a last-minute glue gun, you know this is more than just another store closing.
It’s a farewell to a beloved institution that’s stitched itself into the fabric of our lives.
A Final Curtain Call for Joann
Joann’s story began way back in 1941, and for generations, it’s been the go-to spot for crafters, quilters, and DIY dreamers.
But now, after years of financial struggles and shifting shopping habits, the company is shutting down its remaining 447 stores across 47 states. The last day to snag a deal—or say your goodbyes—is May 30.
If you haven’t visited your local Joann lately, now’s the time. The clearance sales are legendary: fabric, crafts, jewelry, and trim are marked down by as much as 90%.
Social media is abuzz with shoppers sharing their hauls and tips on where to find the best bargains.
“The Joann’s in Janesville and Madison, Wisconsin still have patterns at 80 percent off,” one shopper posted. “Tons of yarn, all marked down.” It’s a bittersweet treasure hunt, with every empty shelf a reminder of what’s being lost.
Why Is Joann Closing?
Joann’s troubles didn’t happen overnight. Like many retailers, the chain enjoyed a pandemic-era boom as Americans rediscovered the joys of home crafting.
But as life returned to normal, sales slumped. The company tried to reinvent itself—dropping the “-Ann” in 2018 to signal a broader focus beyond fabric—but the changes weren’t enough.
Financial woes mounted, and Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection not once, but twice.
The final blow came this spring, when the company announced it would shutter all 800 of its stores, starting with 255 closures in April and the rest by the end of May.
Joann isn’t alone in its struggles. The so-called “retail apocalypse” has claimed many familiar names, with over 7,300 US stores closing in 2023 alone—a 60% jump from the previous year.
Even The Container Store, another pandemic darling, filed for bankruptcy last month.
What You Need to Know About the Final Sales
If you’re hoping to score a deal, here’s what you need to know:
A Community in Mourning
For many, Joann was more than a store—it was a gathering place, a source of inspiration, and a lifeline for creative projects.
Social media is filled with tributes from heartbroken fans. “I learned to sew at Joann’s,” one commenter wrote.
“It’s where I bought fabric for my daughter’s first Halloween costume.” Another shared, “I’ll miss wandering the aisles, dreaming up new projects.”
The closure is especially tough for older Americans who remember when crafting was a way of life, not just a hobby. Joann was a place to connect, to learn, and to pass on traditions. Its loss will be felt in communities across the country.
What’s Next for Crafters?
With Joann gone, where will America’s makers turn? Competitors are already rolling out the welcome mat.
Michaels, Joann’s biggest rival, has a banner on its website reading, “Welcome Joann customers.”
Expect to see more promotions and perhaps even new locations in former Joann spaces—Burlington Coat Factory, for example, plans to open 45 stores in buildings once occupied by Joann.
Local quilt shops, independent craft stores, and online retailers like Etsy and Fabric.com may also see a boost as loyal Joann shoppers look for new places to feed their creative passions.
In earlier news: Huge blowout sales begin–Here’s how you can score big before these 500 stores vanish forever!
Were you a regular at Joann? Did you score any amazing deals during the final sales? Or maybe you have a favorite project that started with a trip down those familiar aisles? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos—share them in the comments below!
If you’ve ever wandered the aisles in search of the perfect yarn, a bolt of cheerful fabric, or a last-minute glue gun, you know this is more than just another store closing.
It’s a farewell to a beloved institution that’s stitched itself into the fabric of our lives.
A Final Curtain Call for Joann
Joann’s story began way back in 1941, and for generations, it’s been the go-to spot for crafters, quilters, and DIY dreamers.
But now, after years of financial struggles and shifting shopping habits, the company is shutting down its remaining 447 stores across 47 states. The last day to snag a deal—or say your goodbyes—is May 30.
If you haven’t visited your local Joann lately, now’s the time. The clearance sales are legendary: fabric, crafts, jewelry, and trim are marked down by as much as 90%.
Social media is abuzz with shoppers sharing their hauls and tips on where to find the best bargains.
Joann, an 82-year-old craft chain, will shut its remaining 447 stores across the US by the end of May, after years of financial struggles and a recent surge of store closures. Image source: 11Alive / Youtube.
“The Joann’s in Janesville and Madison, Wisconsin still have patterns at 80 percent off,” one shopper posted. “Tons of yarn, all marked down.” It’s a bittersweet treasure hunt, with every empty shelf a reminder of what’s being lost.
Why Is Joann Closing?
Joann’s troubles didn’t happen overnight. Like many retailers, the chain enjoyed a pandemic-era boom as Americans rediscovered the joys of home crafting.
But as life returned to normal, sales slumped. The company tried to reinvent itself—dropping the “-Ann” in 2018 to signal a broader focus beyond fabric—but the changes weren’t enough.
Financial woes mounted, and Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection not once, but twice.
The final blow came this spring, when the company announced it would shutter all 800 of its stores, starting with 255 closures in April and the rest by the end of May.
Joann isn’t alone in its struggles. The so-called “retail apocalypse” has claimed many familiar names, with over 7,300 US stores closing in 2023 alone—a 60% jump from the previous year.
Even The Container Store, another pandemic darling, filed for bankruptcy last month.
What You Need to Know About the Final Sales
If you’re hoping to score a deal, here’s what you need to know:
- In-store only: All purchases must be made in person. No online orders, no holds.
- All sales are final: No returns, no exchanges, no exceptions.
- Gift cards are canceled: As of February 28, Joann gift cards are no longer valid. If you have one, unfortunately, it’s now just a souvenir.
- Deep discounts: Most items are 70–90% off, but inventory is dwindling fast. If you see something you want, grab it!
The retailer has been holding massive clearance sales with discounts of up to 90 percent off, but all sales are final and purchases must be made in-store. Image source: 11Alive / Youtube.
A Community in Mourning
For many, Joann was more than a store—it was a gathering place, a source of inspiration, and a lifeline for creative projects.
Social media is filled with tributes from heartbroken fans. “I learned to sew at Joann’s,” one commenter wrote.
“It’s where I bought fabric for my daughter’s first Halloween costume.” Another shared, “I’ll miss wandering the aisles, dreaming up new projects.”
The closure is especially tough for older Americans who remember when crafting was a way of life, not just a hobby. Joann was a place to connect, to learn, and to pass on traditions. Its loss will be felt in communities across the country.
What’s Next for Crafters?
With Joann gone, where will America’s makers turn? Competitors are already rolling out the welcome mat.
Michaels, Joann’s biggest rival, has a banner on its website reading, “Welcome Joann customers.”
Expect to see more promotions and perhaps even new locations in former Joann spaces—Burlington Coat Factory, for example, plans to open 45 stores in buildings once occupied by Joann.
Local quilt shops, independent craft stores, and online retailers like Etsy and Fabric.com may also see a boost as loyal Joann shoppers look for new places to feed their creative passions.
Image source: USA TODAY.
In earlier news: Huge blowout sales begin–Here’s how you can score big before these 500 stores vanish forever!
Were you a regular at Joann? Did you score any amazing deals during the final sales? Or maybe you have a favorite project that started with a trip down those familiar aisles? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos—share them in the comments below!
