Joann Fabrics, a beloved cornerstone of the American crafting market for eight decades, is closing its doors for good.
The company has announced the closure of all its 800 stores following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. This move comes after an unsuccessful struggle with various economic pressures, marking a significant end to its storied history.
Founded in 1943, Joann made its mark as a go-to source for fabric, sewing, crafts, and a variety of seasonal and home decor. However, its extensive retail footprint became a burden in an era shifting toward faster, cheaper, and more disposable fashion. The retailer’s challenges were compounded during President Trump’s first term when the 2018 tariffs led to increased costs of imports. This, paired with expensive US-made equivalents, placed Joann in a tough position where adapting to market changes was both crucial and challenging.
The recent decision to liquidate came after the assets were purchased by GA Group, who will oversee the dissolution of Joann’s physical presence across the country. This development is particularly troubling not just for the 19,000 employees who will find themselves jobless but also for a large community of crafters who relied on Joann for their supplies and inspiration.
The loss of Joann Fabrics is heartbreaking. In a world still full of Home Depots & Lowes, the total collapse of female craftsmanship has made no one happier or wiser. We needed more fabric stores, more busy hands & less administrative-activist jobs. https://t.co/RbO3KPVG3i
— Tara Ann Thieke (@TaraAnnThieke) February 25, 2025
The impact of Joann’s closure extends beyond the immediate economic ramifications. It signals a broader trend of traditional retail struggles in the face of an evolving consumer landscape where digital shopping and economic policies like tariffs reshape the ground rules. For many, Joann was more than a store; it was a community hub for sharing creativity and passion for crafts. Its closure marks the loss of a cultural and creative resource that had been cherished across generations.
Joann had a sprawling retail footprint and was a victim of the slow US decline toward cheaper, more disposable clothing, but they also suffered a blow during Trump's first term. Trump's 2018 tariffs increased cost of imports and US equivalents were too expensive for customers pic.twitter.com/C2jNzYaQEs
— derek guy (@dieworkwear) February 25, 2025
As the final chapter of Joann Fabrics comes to a close, the crafting landscape is left to adapt and evolve. New platforms and perhaps more sustainable crafting initiatives may rise to fill the void left by Joann’s exit. Meanwhile, the tale of its rise and fall remains a poignant reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of American retail and the harsh realities businesses face in the global economy.
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