The End of an Era: How Joann Fabric Closures are Impacting Communities and Crafters
The news rippled through crafting communities like a dropped stitch – Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, a staple for generations of creators, was closing its doors. The announcement sent shockwaves of disappointment and anxiety through seasoned seamstresses, hobbyist knitters, and families reliant on the store’s affordable supplies. More than just a retail outlet, Joann represented a tangible connection to creativity, a place where imagination could take flight amidst rows of fabric, yarn, and embellishments.
For many, the closure feels like losing a valuable piece of their community and a source of creative inspiration. Kelly Atchison, co-owner of PK Country Designs in Burlingame, Kansas, experienced the immediate impact firsthand. She and her mother rushed to their local Topeka Joann to stock up on essential supplies, fearing the future implications for their family business. PK Country Designs relies heavily on Joann’s affordable fabrics to create their popular handmade items, from baby blankets to upholstered benches. With fewer local options, the 30-mile trek to Topeka was a crucial lifeline.
"It’s going to affect a lot of people, especially where we are in rural America," Atchison lamented. She fears that the increased cost of materials from alternative suppliers will force them to raise prices, potentially impacting their customers, who are largely locals with limited budgets. The potential for longer turnaround times on orders due to online shipping delays further compounds their concerns.
The Atchisons’ predicament is echoed across the country. Carol Clemens, a retired graphic designer in Woodland Park, New Jersey, sees Joann’s closure as a profound loss. "It is how we come together in a creative solidarity," she stated, emphasizing the communal aspect of the store. For her, and many others, Joann wasn’t just a place to buy supplies; it was a hub for connection and shared passion.
Joann’s accessibility to crafters of all ages and skill levels played a vital role in its widespread appeal. Darlene Dresch, a real estate agent in Ann Arbor, Michigan, fondly recalls relying on Joann for countless projects, from wedding and prom dresses for loved ones to Halloween costumes for her children. "I went in to buy flannel to make burp cloths for my soon-to-be grandson," Dresch shared, illustrating the store’s role in marking significant life moments.
However, Dresch’s biggest concern lies with a volunteer event she organizes annually, making "comfort blankets" for the loved ones of organ donors. Joann provided the most affordable fabric source for these blankets, which serve as a poignant reminder of the deceased. Dresch fears that the closures will discourage others from hosting similar events, impacting the important comfort these blankets provide. "It’s the last thing that some of these family members have from their loved ones, that touched their loved ones, or just to remind them of them,” she explained.
Joann’s contributions extended beyond individual projects to encompass broader community initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company mobilized crafters and sewers to create homemade hospital gowns and masks, donating a staggering 400 million cloth masks. In Ohio, donation campaigns at Joann registers raised nearly a million dollars for children’s hospitals. The retailer also hosted craft nights for students and families at a local transitional housing shelter. These actions highlight Joann’s role as a socially responsible company deeply embedded in the communities it served.
The closure is more than a business failing; it is an end of access and inspiration for many. Some customers have vowed to shift their purchases online, but they acknowledge the limitations of this alternative. Carmen Sanchez, from Camden, New Jersey, emphasizes the importance of physically feeling yarn before buying it. "You need to feel it," she said. Similarly, Dresch values the ability to touch and compare fabrics in person, ensuring they are perfect for her comfort blankets. The tactile experience and immediate gratification of in-store shopping are irreplaceable for many crafters.
"Maybe I’m still old school, just that generation, but I just want to touch something, see it next to something else and make sure it matches or make sure it’s just right for the family that I’m going to be donating it to,” Dresch added.
The loss of Joann highlights a larger trend of retail closures, with companies like Advance Auto Parts, Big Lots, and Red Lobster also scaling back their physical presence. This shift is attributed to the rise of online shopping and the lingering economic effects of pandemic shutdowns. Katherine Mejia, of Philadelphia, fears that "in-person shopping is going to feel like a relic in time," a sentiment echoed by many who value the community and sensory experience of brick-and-mortar stores.
While competitors like Michaels and Hobby Lobby exist, many customers find them lacking in selection or affordability. Karly Davis, who works at a daycare center in Syracuse, New York, relies on Joann for affordable supplies for her toddlers. "There’s only one craft store near me, Michaels. And it’s fine. But it’s not Joann," she said, emphasizing the unique appeal of the store.
As Joann stores close their doors, the impact will be felt far beyond the crafting community. It represents a loss of creativity, affordability, and community connection. While the future of crafting remains uncertain, the legacy of Joann Fabric and Craft Stores will undoubtedly live on in the memories and creations of the countless individuals it inspired. It’s a reminder of the importance of accessible creative outlets and the irreplaceable value of in-person shopping experiences.
