Joann’s Tough Times: More Than Half of Stores to Close

News Summary

Joann is making drastic changes by closing over half of its stores as it faces financial difficulties and a recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. With plans to close 533 out of 800 locations, the crafting community will feel the impact, especially in Texas where several stores are shutting down. The company’s restructuring efforts, aimed at stabilizing operations, come amidst significant debt and a shift to a private entity. Despite the challenges, Joann’s leadership is working towards a future that may find new ways to serve their loyal customers.

Texas Shaken by Joann’s Major Store Closures

In a tough turn of events for crafting enthusiasts, the beloved Joann chain is closing more than half of its stores nationwide. Recently, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year, shaking up the crafting community’s foundation and forcing some difficult decisions.

The Numbers Behind the Changes

Joann has officially filed a motion in bankruptcy court that will result in the closure of 533 out of its 800 locations. This means the crafting retailer is reducing its footprint by nearly 63%, leaving many devoted customers grappling with disappointment. Where will they go to stock up on their cherished crafting supplies?

Big Impact on Texas

Unfortunately, Texas isn’t immune to this wave of closures. A total of 18 Joann locations across the Lone Star State are set to shut their doors, which is bound to hit long-time customers hard. Cities such as Abilene, Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Denton, Hurst, Houston, and Lewisville are among the worst affected, causing a ripple effect in local crafting communities.

Houston, which houses four Joann stores, is feeling the pinch as one of the areas with the highest number of Joann locations in the nation. This development may leave local crafters searching high and low for other options.

Understanding the Dilemma

This substantial decision to downsize didn’t happen overnight. Joann has taken a long, hard look at its store performance and determined that major changes are necessary to ensure its survival. The company is grappling with over $1 billion in debt and has recently secured about $132 million in new financing to help manage this financial burden.

Looking Ahead

After undergoing a restructuring process, Joann has made the tough call to delist from the U.S. stock exchange and transition into a private entity as part of their bankruptcy restructuring finalized in April 2024. This move reflects the company’s commitment to adapting and staying relevant during these trying times.

Packing Up Crafting Supplies

The closure of these stores will mean fewer places for craft supplies in a wide array of communities. Even with 43 stores remaining statewide, the loss of multiple locations will undoubtedly be felt by loyal customers. The list of closures spans nearly every state in the nation, with notable states like California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan facing the largest cuts.

Future Plans for Joann

Even though this news might sting for DIY lovers, Joann’s leadership is already strategizing for tomorrow. The company is aiming for court approval in Delaware to sell “substantially all of its assets”. This is a calculated move intended to stabilize the business and rejuvenate the Joann brand in the long run.

Final Thoughts

As Joann tries to navigate this challenging chapter, the local crafting community may need to brace itself for a new retail landscape. Whether that’s turning to online shops or discovering new local suppliers, crafters have a resilient spirit. While the current situation appears tough for Joann, there’s always a chance for this cherished chain to come back stronger and more in tune with the needs of its fans.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• NBC DFW
• Wikipedia: Joann
• Laredo Morning Times
• Google Search: Joann closures
• KHOU
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Joann
• The Hill
• Google News: Joann fabrics closures
• WFAA