Joann Inc, well-known fabric and crafts retailer is going out of business and will be shutting all stores after serving generations of quilting, knitting, and crafting enthusiasts for over 80 years.
The Hudson, Ohio-based company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January, its second filing in a year, had previously assured customers that all stores would remain open.
However, after struggling with weak consumer demand and inventory shortages, Joann initially announced plans to close 500 stores, more than half of its nationwide locations.
Now, following a recent auction, financial services firm GA Group, along with Joann’s term lenders, has been selected as the winning bidder to acquire most of the company’s assets. They will oversee the winding down of operations and the liquidation of all remaining stores through going-out-of-business sales.
In an update on its website, Joann confirmed that stores, its online shop, and its mobile app would continue to operate while clearance sales take place. The company has not yet announced specific closure dates but expects final sales to take several weeks.
Joann had previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2024 before re-emerging as a private company. However, persistent financial difficulties led to another bankruptcy filing in January.
“Joann leadership, our board, advisors and legal partners made every possible effort to pursue a more favorable outcome that would keep the company in business,” the company said in a statement.
“We are committed to working constructively with the winning bidder to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations that minimises the impact on all our stakeholders.”