JOANN Crafts, a well-known retailer specializing in fabrics and craft supplies, has made a shocking announcement this month. After revealing plans to close 24 underperforming stores in New York and 530 stores across the country, the company has now confirmed that all 800 of its locations will shut down. This decision comes after JOANN was unable to find a buyer willing to take over the stores. The announcement, covered by NBC News, has left customers and employees alike wondering what happens next.
According to a statement on the company’s website, JOANN will begin going-out-of-business sales at its stores immediately. These sales, subject to court approval, are already underway at many locations. While this marks the end for the physical stores, JOANN will continue to operate its online store, allowing customers to shop from home. However, there’s an important note for shoppers: JOANN gift cards will only be valid until February 28, 2025. After that date, they will no longer be accepted.
The closures, which will affect 19,000 full and part-time employees, have sent shockwaves through the communities where JOANN stores were a regular shopping destination. Many of the affected stores are located in New York, including Albany, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, and Hudson. Other locations, such as the Queensbury store in New York and the Pittsfield, MA store, will also be closing.
JOANN’s decision to close all of its stores follows years of struggles to maintain profitability. The retailer has faced growing competition from both online retailers and other craft stores. Despite efforts to adjust to changing market conditions, the company could not overcome the financial challenges it faced.
For shoppers who still wish to use their JOANN gift cards, the company is allowing them to make purchases through the end of February 2025. However, any returns will no longer be accepted as part of the store’s closing procedures. While it’s disappointing for loyal customers, JOANN’s online platform will continue to serve shoppers during this period.
The closure of JOANN stores is not just about the loss of a favorite craft store. It’s also about the impact on thousands of employees. With 19,000 workers affected, many are left wondering what comes next for them. As of now, there is no official word on any severance packages or assistance for employees transitioning to new jobs.
The situation reminds us how changing market dynamics can affect even long-standing retail giants. With the rise of online shopping and shifting consumer habits, many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are struggling to stay afloat. JOANN’s closure is just the latest example of a major company facing these challenges.
While this news is hard for many, there’s still hope for those who want to continue their crafting hobby. JOANN’s online store will allow customers to continue to shop for fabrics, craft supplies, and other products for the foreseeable future. The online store also gives shoppers the opportunity to access exclusive deals and discounts that were previously only available in-store.
It’s important to remember that JOANN, like many companies, is making this decision to try to preserve its future. The company may have faced difficulties in finding a buyer to save its stores, but it’s still hoping to keep its online business alive.
As the closures continue, many shoppers and employees will likely feel a sense of loss. Whether it’s the weekly visits to pick up craft supplies or the steady employment at a familiar retail location, these changes will leave a mark. For now, JOANN’s focus will shift to its online store, offering the same products but with a new, digital shopping experience.
What’s Next?
For those affected by the closures, there are a few things to keep in mind. Gift cards will remain valid until February 2025, and shoppers can continue to shop online for as long as JOANN stays operational. Employees impacted by the store closures may want to explore job opportunities elsewhere, especially given the uncertain future of many traditional retail businesses.
For the crafting community, JOANN’s decision to close its stores may open up space for new, innovative solutions to meet crafters’ needs. Many industry competitors are likely to step up their efforts to capture the market share left by JOANN’s exit.
JOANN’s closing may signal the end of an era, but it’s also a wake-up call for other retailers. Shoppers are increasingly turning to online stores, and those that can adapt to this shift in consumer behavior will be better positioned for the future.
For now, we wait to see how the story unfolds. What happens to the employees? Will shoppers find new stores to satisfy their crafting needs? Only time will tell.
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