82-Year-Old Craft Store Closing Its Doors—What Hidden Changes Could This Spell for Your Favorite Supplies?

So, Joann Fabrics—the beloved treasure trove for crafty souls and weekend DIY warriors—is shutting down all of its stores after a whopping 82 years in business. Yup, you read that right. In a world where swiping on screens has replaced stroking soft fabrics, this iconic shop just couldn’t keep the lights on and had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy… twice this year, no less. It’s kinda surreal, isn’t it? Watching a crafts giant fold all its fabric and glitter with it. Cue the tears—and the mad clearance sales frenzy. But here’s a question that’s been bugging me: in an age of online shopping, can you really replicate that magic of flipping through endless bolts of cloth and feeling the texture in your hands? Spoiler alert: probably not. Let’s unravel what led to this crafty curtain call and see what’s next for the community left clutching their glue guns. LEARN MORE.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Everyone’s favorite craft store is closing all of its location due to Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Joann Fabrics. In January of this year, the retailer filed for bankruptcy for the second time. USA Today reported that the craft store will be closing all of its remaining locations, not just 500 of the remaining 800.

After 82 years, the company is going out of business.

The company has said that they will work with all of the shareholders to wind down operations with a minimal impact. They also expressed appreciation toward their team members, customers, and communities.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The Sadness Spreads Across Social Media

On X, Facebook, and other social media platforms, fans of the craft store have expressed their sadness and disappointment of the store’s closure. People hate that in this online world, stores like Joann’s are closing, making it impossible to actually look at and touch the fabrics anymore.

Others reminisce about how they used to shop at the store with their mother or grandmother. As one customer wrote, “It’s a dark day for crafters.”

Photo by Barthelemy de Mazenod on Unsplash

Now what?

As many people mourn Joann Fabrics going out of business, others are taking advantage of the various deals. If there is a location near you, clearance sales are happening. It’s a chance to save money on various craft items. One thing to note: they’re no longer accepting Joann gift cards.