For the past 82 years, Joann Fabrics has been a place for crafters of all ages to get their fabric supplies. The company sells everything from ribbons to birdhouses. Since the first store opened in Cleveland, Ohio, over 800 Joann’s fabric stores have opened across America. Now, the company has filed for bankruptcy and is closing all its stores.
The United States first experienced the wonders of Joann Fabric back in 1943, when German immigrants Hilda and Berthold Reich, Sigmund and Mathilda Rohrbach, and Justin and Alma Zimmerman opened the store, formally named Cleveland Fabric Shop, in Cleveland, Ohio. The company underwent many name changes and opened more stores through the years. In 1994, the company, named Fabri-Centers of America at the time, bought Cloth World, a 342-store southern company. This got Fabri-Centers’ total stores up to 655 country-wide. Joann later acquired House of Fabrics in 1998, which had previously operated as Fabricland, Fabric King, and So-Fro Fabrics. Later, the six immigrants finally agreed on a permanent name by combining their daughters’ names, Joan and Jacqueline Ann, and we got the famous name we all know today.
The first news of Joann’s bankruptcy filing was in March 2024. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a reorganization process allowing debtors to reorganize their debt and continue operating. Still, after further financial and inventory issues, Joann filed again in January 2025. The company was auctioned off to new management, but the stores continued to close one by one. “This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers, and all of the communities we serve,” the company said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “]But] right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward.”
With stores around America closing, Joann has decided to have a last sale and sell all of their remaining products, with typical discounts ranging from 10-40 percent, and some items have reached 70 percent. Signs have been posted on the store windows, saying “Going Out Of Business.” In an interview with USA Today, Tim Shilling, president of financial firm GA Group, said, “Joann has been a beloved destination for makers and craft enthusiasts for more than 80 years. As we begin this store closing process, we prioritize ensuring an orderly wind-down of the retailer’s operations while providing customers with exceptional savings on their favorite crafting and home décor products. This sale is a great opportunity for shoppers to take advantage of these deep discounts before stores close.”
Sam Barlow’s local Joann Fabrics is located in Gresham, Oregon, and its official closure date is currently unknown. Before the country officially says goodbye to Joann, go support your local stores to show your appreciation for the company.
