Joann Fabric and Crafts has officially shut its doors across the country, but die-hard fans of the iconic craft chain don’t need to panic just yet, there are still ways to get your hands on some of their most beloved products.
After filing for bankruptcy not once but twice within a year, Joann closed down all 800 stores permanently, marking the end of an era for countless crafters and DIY lovers. But here’s the twist: while the stores are gone, the products are very much still out there.
It’s no secret Joann was struggling. After years of financial pressure, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in early 2025, after previously restructuring in March 2024. This time, there was no bouncing back. Joann had accumulated a massive $615 million in debt and was spending around $26 million a month just to keep stores running. On top of that, they experienced a sudden halt in production for key inventory, making it impossible to restock essentials and further crushing revenue.
The original plan was to close 530 stores and keep about 270 operating, but by February 2025, Joann announced that all remaining locations would shut down. The final going-out-of-business sales wrapped up on May 31, and now, there isn’t a single Joann storefront left standing.
Still, there’s good news for longtime Joann shoppers. Michaels, their top competitor, quickly moved in to scoop up some of Joann’s private label brands and intellectual property. The brand confirmed in a press release that they’re expanding their product offerings with over 600 new items that used to be exclusive to Joann. That includes popular yarn brands like Big Twist, Bernat, Lion Brand, and Red Heart. Michaels is also adding 60 new options from Loops & Threads and has stocked up on Brother and Singer sewing machines.
Even better, you’ll be able to find familiar items like Fiskars scissors, Velcro products, Coats & Clark thread, Clover tools, the Oliso Smart Iron, and Pellon quilting supplies at Michaels’ 1,200+ stores nationwide. The company even launched a dedicated webpage for former Joann customers to shop those exact items. According to the release, Michaels wants “every creator [to have] access to the tools and materials they want,” and they’ve gone all-in to make sure that happens.
But Michaels isn’t the only place to shop now that Joann is gone. Crafters can also head to Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Amazon to find fabric, yarn, and crafting supplies. Here’s how they all stack up:
Where to Shop for Joann Alternatives
| Retailer | What They Offer (Post-Joann) | Store Count | Price Comparison | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michaels | Over 600 Joann products, including Big Twist yarn, Brother machines, Fiskars tools, etc. | 1,200+ stores | Comparable to Joann | Dedicated page for Joann fans, expanding inventory monthly |
| Hobby Lobby | Yarn, fabric, crafting, and quilting tools similar to Joann | 1,000+ stores | Usually competitive | Strong in-store selection for DIY projects |
| Walmart | Basic craft and sewing supplies, less niche options | Nationwide | Often cheaper, some higher | Easy access, but less specialized selection |
| Amazon | Wide range of yarn, tools, and fabric with reviews | Online only | Prices vary by seller | Largest variety but not always best for price or authenticity |
One thing that did leave a sour taste for many customers was how Joann handled the closure of their gift card program. Although stores remained open until May, the company stopped accepting gift cards on February 28. That left many loyal shoppers upset, especially those who had recently received gift cards and never got to use them. Instagram was full of angry comments like, “I just want you to know how incredibly upsetting it is that you cut off our ability to use gift cards,” and “So upset you cut off gift cards so quickly and with little notification.”
Joann isn’t alone in its collapse this year. 2025 is shaping up to be brutal for retailers. Forever 21 also filed for bankruptcy in March, its second time doing so, and closed all of its remaining locations. Rite Aid followed with its second bankruptcy as well, confirming even more store closures. If it feels like major chains are vanishing left and right, that’s because they are.
For anyone confused about how this all works, here’s the breakdown: Chapter 11 bankruptcy is what Joann first filed, which is meant to give businesses a chance to restructure and keep operating. But when that fails, or when the damage is just too deep, it often leads to total shutdowns. Other bankruptcy types include Chapter 7, which involves selling off all assets to pay creditors and shutting down for good, and Chapter 15, used for international cases involving multiple countries.
Joann’s second round with Chapter 11 wasn’t enough to save them. Despite a previous effort to stay afloat with a smaller footprint, the mix of overwhelming debt, high operating costs, and vanishing inventory made it impossible to stay open.
So yes, the physical stores are gone. But if you’re a fan of Joann’s products, not all is lost. Thanks to Michaels stepping in and other big retailers like Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and Amazon carrying similar products, you can still feed your creative streak without missing a beat.
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