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
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
