Why are Joann stores closing at 255 locations? Situation explained

Joann, the much-loved American crafting chain, has started shutting down 255 of its shops nationwide. Once a hub of creativity for hobbyists, small business owners, and classroom projects, Joann's choice to close all its remaining stores signals a bittersweet shift in the retail scene.

The company made a brief comeback after its 2024 bankruptcy as a private company, but its second filing in January 2025 spelled the end. The company pointed to ongoing drops in sales and debt it couldn't handle as reasons to start winding down. The first wave of 255 store shutdowns kicked off in April 2025, with plans to close all remaining shops by late May.

The impact has hit hard in areas where the company stores weren't just places to shop, but centers for creativity. Craft circles, teachers, and small-scale makers depended on the brand for more than just supplies - it gave them ideas and a sense of community.

To many, a trip to Joann was a treat for the senses: feeling different fabrics, smelling cinnamon candles during Christmas time, and getting friendly advice from staff who'd been there for years.

Even with the sadness it brings, the company's shutdown also shows a bigger change in what customers want. Online shopping sites have become more popular, with more people buying their DIY materials on the internet.

"We deeply appreciate our dedicated team members, our customers and communities across the nation for their unwavering support for more than 80 years," the company stated.

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How Joann's challenges led to its fall?

At its height, the brand had over 800 stores making it a fixture in suburban malls and shopping centers and a favorite spot for generations of creators. Joann met a unique need that mixed usefulness with enthusiasm offering everything from sewing materials to the latest home decor trends. However, changes in how people shop, money troubles, and the rise of online shopping ate away at its strong position.

Trouble began to show up back in 2023 when the company cut office jobs and warned about money problems pointing to bigger issues. As stock values dropped, the company got kicked off the Nasdaq, and efforts to find new ownership initially gave loyal customers hope. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed when restructuring efforts failed to keep stores open.

The company's headquarters sit in Hudson, Ohio, and it operated 800 stores across 49 U.S. states until the start of 2025. As Joann becomes a part of retail history, it leaves more than just vacant storefronts.

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