After more than 80 years as a beloved fabric and craft retailer, Joann closed all of its roughly 800 stores across the United States by May 2025. Once a humble cheese shop in Cleveland, Joann grew into the country’s largest fabric and craft supplier, serving generations of makers who relied on its in-store experience. The chain was a tactile, sensory destination where customers could compare fabrics side-by-side, ask knowledgeable employees for advice, and pick up everything from thread to glue in one trip. But heavy competition, shifting shopping habits, and inventory challenges led to Joann’s second bankruptcy in less than a year, sealing its fate.

The closure left many loyal customers worried about how they would continue their creative hobbies. For longtime shoppers, the ability to touch and see fabric in person was crucial and nearly impossible to replicate online. Ordering fabric from websites often meant guessing colors and textures, then waiting weeks for swatches to arrive, which could be a costly trial-and-error process. While some online retailers have improved with videos and better descriptions, many crafters still find the digital approach frustrating. Moreover, for older customers or those without easy transportation to alternative stores, Joann’s shutdown signaled a real loss of convenience and community.

However, the end of Joann also opened new doors for local shops and thrift stores, encouraging crafters to get creative in sourcing materials. “I think it opens up more opportunities for local businesses,” said Allison Lince Bentley, a sewing instructor in Maryland. “There’s so much repurposing that can happen. People can go to thrift stores. They can also channel Sound of Music and turn their curtains into play clothes.” Still, the decline of this craft giant highlighted a broader retail challenge: adapting to evolving consumer behaviors while preserving the hands-on shopping experiences that made stores like Joann a favorite destination for millions.

Questions:

1. What unique qualities did consumers look for at Joann stores, and why is it difficult for online outlets to replicate the experience?
2. How do you think Joann’s closure could benefit local shops and thrift stores?  

Sources: Carla Esteves and Barry Gordemer, “Fabric Giant Joann is Closing Down. What Happens to Those Who Relied on the Retailer?” NPR, March 3, 2025; Alyssa Lukpat, “Crafters Mourn the Demise of Their ‘Little Happy Safe Place,’” The Wall Street Journal, May 12, 2025.