The craft store crisis: is your favorite among the many shutting down?
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The retail world is undergoing a major shift, and even the most beloved hobby stores are feeling the strain. For years, craft stores have been the go-to places for DIY enthusiasts, artists, and crafters of all kinds.
But now, many of these cherished spots are facing a troubling future, and the so-called "craft store apocalypse" is making waves.
As some of the most well-known craft stores close their doors, it raises questions about the future of crafting and the spaces where we once found endless inspiration.
So, what does this mean for you, the dedicated crafters in The GrayVine community?
For over 80 years, Joann has been a staple in the crafting world. Known for its wide range of fabric, yarn, and craft supplies, it’s been a haven for creative minds across the country.
Yet, despite its longstanding presence in nearly every state, Joann has had to shut the doors on six of its 815 stores in recent months.
This marks a sad turning point for the company, especially after a rebranding effort in 2018 that aimed to expand its offerings.
Despite huge sales and deep discounts, Joann couldn't escape the financial challenges that led to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March of the previous year.
Although the company emerged from bankruptcy with a renewed sense of hope, the post-pandemic world has seen a decline in home crafting, and sales just haven't bounced back.
Joann’s struggles are far from isolated. The Container Store, long known as the go-to for home organization, recently declared bankruptcy, unable to withstand mounting losses.
Even Marie Kondo’s famous decluttering trend couldn’t save the 46-year-old chain. And it’s not just craft and home goods stores feeling the pressure—over 7,300 retail locations across the US closed in the past year alone, an increase of nearly 60 percent from the previous year.
The retail landscape is evolving, and this shift shows no signs of slowing down.
Despite these challenges, Joann insists that its closures are part of an ongoing process of evaluating and optimizing store locations.
According to Amanda Hayes, Joann's director of corporate communications, there are no plans for widespread store closures.
In fact, the company has opened new stores in Great Falls, Montana, and Maplewood, Minnesota, signaling a strategic reshaping rather than a full retreat.
While some of us may miss our local Joann stores, there’s still hope on the horizon. It’s an opportunity to support smaller, independent craft stores that offer a more personal touch.
Plus, online craft marketplaces and communities are booming, offering new ways to connect with fellow crafters and find supplies and inspiration.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the craft store experience is changing. But that doesn’t mean the crafting spirit is fading. Craft stores, whether online or in-person, will need to evolve in order to keep up with the changing landscape.
The ability to innovate and adapt to digital trends will be crucial for survival.
For many of us, craft stores have been more than just a place to pick up supplies—they’ve been a community, a creative escape, and a source of inspiration. While we navigate through this "craft store apocalypse," let’s remember the joy crafting brings into our lives and continue to nurture our passions.
Whether through local shops, online platforms, or simply creating at home, crafting will always have a place in our hearts.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you been affected by the craft store closures? Where do you plan to find your crafting supplies now? Your insights could be a great resource for others in The GrayVine community!
But now, many of these cherished spots are facing a troubling future, and the so-called "craft store apocalypse" is making waves.
As some of the most well-known craft stores close their doors, it raises questions about the future of crafting and the spaces where we once found endless inspiration.
So, what does this mean for you, the dedicated crafters in The GrayVine community?
Joann stores across the country are facing closures, but the company is working to adapt to the changing retail landscape. Image Source: wetcfashion.shop.
The Decline of a Crafting Giant
For over 80 years, Joann has been a staple in the crafting world. Known for its wide range of fabric, yarn, and craft supplies, it’s been a haven for creative minds across the country.
Yet, despite its longstanding presence in nearly every state, Joann has had to shut the doors on six of its 815 stores in recent months.
This marks a sad turning point for the company, especially after a rebranding effort in 2018 that aimed to expand its offerings.
Despite huge sales and deep discounts, Joann couldn't escape the financial challenges that led to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March of the previous year.
Joann navigates through financial challenges, emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with a new plan for the future. Image Source: Pexels / Monstera Production.
Although the company emerged from bankruptcy with a renewed sense of hope, the post-pandemic world has seen a decline in home crafting, and sales just haven't bounced back.
A Retail Shake-Up
Joann’s struggles are far from isolated. The Container Store, long known as the go-to for home organization, recently declared bankruptcy, unable to withstand mounting losses.
Even Marie Kondo’s famous decluttering trend couldn’t save the 46-year-old chain. And it’s not just craft and home goods stores feeling the pressure—over 7,300 retail locations across the US closed in the past year alone, an increase of nearly 60 percent from the previous year.
The retail landscape is evolving, and this shift shows no signs of slowing down.
Crafting a New Path
Despite these challenges, Joann insists that its closures are part of an ongoing process of evaluating and optimizing store locations.
According to Amanda Hayes, Joann's director of corporate communications, there are no plans for widespread store closures.
In fact, the company has opened new stores in Great Falls, Montana, and Maplewood, Minnesota, signaling a strategic reshaping rather than a full retreat.
While some of us may miss our local Joann stores, there’s still hope on the horizon. It’s an opportunity to support smaller, independent craft stores that offer a more personal touch.
Plus, online craft marketplaces and communities are booming, offering new ways to connect with fellow crafters and find supplies and inspiration.
What’s Next for Crafting?
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the craft store experience is changing. But that doesn’t mean the crafting spirit is fading. Craft stores, whether online or in-person, will need to evolve in order to keep up with the changing landscape.
The ability to innovate and adapt to digital trends will be crucial for survival.
For many of us, craft stores have been more than just a place to pick up supplies—they’ve been a community, a creative escape, and a source of inspiration. While we navigate through this "craft store apocalypse," let’s remember the joy crafting brings into our lives and continue to nurture our passions.
Whether through local shops, online platforms, or simply creating at home, crafting will always have a place in our hearts.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you been affected by the craft store closures? Where do you plan to find your crafting supplies now? Your insights could be a great resource for others in The GrayVine community!
