The Impact of Joann Fabric Store Closure: A Loss to the Crafting Community
In a recent turn of events, Joann Fabric and Crafts, a cornerstone in the fabric and crafting industry for 82 years, announced the closure of all its approximately 800 stores spread across 49 U.S. states. This decision has sent shockwaves through the crafting community, leaving many devoted customers and seamstresses like Ingrid Crepeau, a professional seamstress residing near Washington, D.C., heartbroken at the thought of bidding farewell to a beloved store that has been an essential part of their creative endeavors.
A Legacy of Fabric and Craftsmanship
Joann’s journey began humbly in 1943, originating as a cheese shop in Cleveland owned by German immigrants Hilda and Berthold Reich and their friends Sigmund and Mathilda Rohrbach. However, as fate would have it, the fabric soon outshone the cheese, leading to the birth of a new era in the form of fabric shops. Over the decades, Joann expanded its footprint by acquiring companies like Cloth World, ultimately becoming the largest fabric and crafts retailer in the United States by the close of the 20th century.
Challenges and Decline
Despite its early success, Joann found itself grappling with a changing marketplace as online retailers gained traction and rivals like Hobby Lobby and Michaels emerged. Inventory management issues and substantial debt from previous acquisitions compounded the company’s financial struggles, leading to a decline in market share. Although a resurgence during the pandemic fueled by DIY projects provided a temporary lifeline, Joann couldn’t stave off its downward trajectory.
The Curtain Falls
In January 2025, Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time within a year due to continued sales decline, marking the beginning of the end for the once-thriving fabric retailer. The subsequent announcement of the closure of all its stores left customers like Crepeau and sewing instructor Allison Lince Bentley in disbelief, mourning the loss of a go-to destination for high-quality fabric and craft supplies.
The Future of Crafting: Adapting to Change
As the crafting community faces the void left by Joann’s closure, Bentley remains hopeful, emphasizing the potential for local businesses to thrive and encouraging creativity through repurposing and upcycling. With the rise of more sophisticated online fabric retailers offering detailed fabric descriptions and videos, adapting to the changing landscape of fabric shopping becomes essential for enthusiasts like Crepeau and Bentley, who strive to keep the spirit of crafting alive.
In the wake of Joann’s exit from the fabric and crafts scene, a new chapter unfolds, ushering in fresh opportunities for creativity and innovation. While the loss of a longstanding institution leaves a bittersweet void, the crafting community remains resilient, finding solace in the enduring spirit of crafters worldwide. As the curtains close on Joann’s stores, a new era of crafting dawns, brimming with limitless possibilities and untold adventures in the world of handmade creations.
