JOANN Faces Cash Flow & Debt Problems

[@sandydaniels2668]

As a former employee of JoAnn this is so heartbreaking. I will have no place to buy sewing thread by Gutermann because there is nothing else by me. If they dont get rescued I feel sewing will be a difficult hobby because of the lack of places to purchase. The company needs to go back to the basic roots of selling sewing supplies and getting more apparel fabric.

[@heatherbade8537]

I agree!

[@renatal1972]

I’m also a former Joann employee, I worked as a teacher for 5 years, loved my job. I probably spend more there than I made. I only left because my dad was sick and I had to take care of him. I would totally go back but they stopped the teaching classes due to covid

[@salnellen1381]

I’m also worried about this store closing as it’s the last decent fabric store around. Hobby lobby caters to crafty fabric but not garment fabric. Also you can get sewing machines and obscure supplies as well as yarn. Very few people make their own clothes any more and why would they when they cost less than the fabric? But if the inevitable does occur and they close down I decided that I’m not too worried because all of the sewing supplies can be found online if we want them. There are some great online fabric stores too that have great sales. Joanne should get in that game.. The only thing is I like to feel the fabric and see the quality in person and that’s difficult to do online.. I sure wish that sewing your own clothes would be a thing again..

[@sandydaniels2668]

@@salnellen1381 I love to feel the fabric and it makes a difference in looking at the color in person.

[@clarkclarke]

I agree .. we have a small number of fabric stores in our city ... in the past we had a garment district .. in our area where we live there is only ONE fabric store ... We can go downtown to Michael's however they don't have a lot of fabric options (to me)

[@Green4CloveR]

Joann's isn't totally to blame. It is private equity firms. They were the reason Toys 'R' Us went bankrupt despite them being a profitable business. Corporate greed. That's why we can't have nice things!

[@sandydaniels2668]

I absolutely fault that private equity firm it doesn’t seem like they understand the sewing industry.

[@krisniznik3953]

@@sandydaniels2668 They ruin everything they touch.

[@sewlovelywithgrace]

Jen, thanks for talking about Joann's and keeping us up to date. No one else is talking about it. I greatly appreciate it! Hopefully someone buys them, revamps them to focus on sewing. Right now they have too many tentacles in different hobbies in their stores. They are trying to be a Hobby Lobby or a Home Goods right now with no real focus. Thanks again!

[@carmensalome]

Agree!

[@sewlovelywithgrace]

@@carmensalome Carmen, we need to be running Joann's!! 🤣🤣

[@gdhhayes2129]

I remember when JoAnn fabrics offered beautiful fabric at reasonable prices so the hobby of sewing was feasible financially. I was frustrated and saddened when the price of fabric pretty much doubled, and the dit sales drastically reduced and still were too expensive per yard. Then Hobby Lobby came to town offering fabric at about half price per yard and offers sales every other week. Add that this the clearance section where I get beautiful quality fabric for pricing I can't resist. Why would I ever shop at JoAnn? They need to get competitive again as I'd be happy to shop there again.

[@marywiggins7411]

Oh for Pete's sake, Jen!!!! Not every 'older' person that died during covid sewed or shopped at Joann. Trust me there are enough of us 'old people' alive yet that buy fabric. Joann is trying to be too craft focused, contracting really shoddy cheap brands of sachtels - instead of continuing with Art Bin, they started acting more like a retail craft store and hired people with ZERO experience in fabric, sewing, knitting, etc. They completely lost their focus. They tried to become a trendy 'meet up' space. Again hire people that can actually teach sewing, real sewing, not just staff that can ring up a point of sale. They lost 90% of their staff and managers that knew the sewing business!!! They left because they were not valued, and not to sound sexist - but the manager at our local store was some man that probably lost his mid-level job at a corporation, he had no business running a fabric shop! The new building for the one 25 miles from me, is too huge. The shelves are bare, and it's obvious the focus on fabrics is lost.

[@KathrynRose-schultz-qs6qw]

Sewing stores habitually do not pay knowledgeable employees what they are worth! Throw back keeping women in low paying jobs! With the democrats draining the coffers and COVID epidemic did not help. Then over stepping their abilities has brought them down. Simple is better! Restructure and try again! Scraping all the profits and not taking care of employees hurts everyone!

[@WthrLdy]

I about cried when they made the shift to crafting and dropped their good apparel line of fabrics. Yes, they still carry apparel fabric, but it's seasonal, low quality and there is VERY little selection. I agree, the employees have NO clue about fabric, sewing, fiber, tools, patterns or drafting. If it isn't a fleece tied blanket and need help, you're out of luck. The last time I was there, I helped a woman find the correct size pattern and the fabric for it, and by the time I was done, I had a LINE of people waiting to be helped. I got out of there two hours later. (The last person had a product location question, and I passed them to an actual employee.)

[@rlizabethcastillo5541]

I worked at Joann part time for many years. I say about 60% of my repeat customers were very old I saw about 60 and older. It makes sense to me that the pandemic hit this demographic hard. I still go to Joann’s and it is always empty. My mother was a designer by trade she didn’t buy her fabric at Joann’s she had designer fabric contact to buy from. Not enough home sewing people to keep there in business. Dispute the fact that investors are not helping the situation.

[@rhipsalislvr7141]

Interesting, the manager at our local (small retirement town in AZ) Joanne's is male. The only employer there that is helpful is a young woman who is hearing impaired but working and very helpful. Sigh

[@DistractedDaisy]

😂😂😂

[@Sew_Retired]

The old Joannes knew what they were doing when they were focused on sewing and offering hands on classes, such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, etc., giving people a place to gather and enjoy a hobby. Unfortunately, just like another commentor has posted, Joannes has decided to try to be everything to everybody and the result is just shotty work And employees that don’t know how to help shoppers purchase what they need to finish a project. I do not knit, nor do I crochet, but a customer went up to the cutting table, where I was standing as a customer, trying to get my fabric cut, and asked the employee what type of yarn she needed for a project. The customer proceeded to show the employee what project she was going to be making (the customer was taking a free class at the library) and the employee could not tell her whether or not the yarn in her cart was what she needed for the project. So I kindly interrupted and said, may I see the project you’re making and the very little knowledge I have that was bestowed on me 40 years ago by my grandmother, who was an avid seamstress and knitter; was pulled out of my memory bank and I explained to the customer how to know if she had the right yarn for her project. This is an example of why Joanne‘s has fallen, they hired the wrong CEO and underneath the CEO they had all the wrong employees and it has trickled down into every single store they still own

[@monicagfoeller2270]

The customer went up to the cutting table where the employee was cutting fabric. That employee was likely knowledgeable regarding fabrics , notions, battings and other items related to sewing and home sec projects. It is unrealistic to expect every employee to be knowledgeable about every craft. Joann has a vast yarn and needle arts section and ideally they would hire an employee who could focus on that area. However so many of their stores simply do not have enough employees to keep up.

[@junejunejuniejune]

honestly its a little bit of common sense. projects list the weight of the yarn and usually how much you will need of it. just a matter of following directions and reading lables!

[@karengarner2292]

I am 73, years young. My Mother shopped JoAnns when I was a child. What a tragedy if this company goes out of business 😢

[@theofficialqueenofthebling]

Those of us who follow you KNOW that you are NOT praying for their downfall. I too hope that the company gets it together. Blessings ❤

[@Sewmore]

Yes my opinion is for Joann to go back to a fabric store not so much crafts let Michael’s do that and Joann concentrate on a bigger variety of fabrics and sewing supplies. I go to Joann’s but they don’t have the sewing item I need so I wind up getting it from Amazon. 😊

[@julesanaplans4162]

Iwe have literally sold crafts and fabrics for over 25 years.

[@lane8014]

Sorry to hear. Joann lost my business due to higher prices , less quality goods and their useless coupons. The discontinuance of their sales book/flier and How To classes was a mistake in my opinion.

[@sheffi01008631]

The store almost an hour from me is excellent! They are clean, organized, and have wonderful affordable quilting and knit/crocheting supplies. Our customer service is also excellent! I neeeed Joann!s!

[@janetkirshner7488]

The Joann’s near me used to have sewing, knitting and crochet ing classes.They were great.Not any more.I miss them.

[@victoriaogletree4669]

I really enjoyed Tuesday Morning😢

[@ivyseabreeze]

Joann was doomed in 2020 as soon as Leonard Green & Partners (LGP), an American private equity investment firm, purchased the company. Joann went the way of Toys R Us, or is more or so going down the path of Toys R Us.

[@jilbertb]

LGP bought Joann's in late 2011 or early 2012. I started working there in 2013 and the sale had been finalized over a year prior.

[@kellymercer2441]

I agree with you, Jen. I don't think any of us want them to go under. It's very sad. I think they tried to be everything to everybody. Maybe this is a great opportunity to make some much needed changes. Or, an opportunity for another investor to buy them up and save them. They need to develop their niche (sewing and fabric) and let others focus on decor. With very little competition in the fabric and sewing industry, they could really capitalize on the growing sewing community. Note to JoAnn's...no one needs multiple rows of fleece. Offer a wide variety of fashion fabrics and nurture the skills and growth of the community.

[@salnellen1381]

It’s like they think all we wear is fleece and quilting fabric. And the rest is glitzy prom dress stuff. Hardly any ordinary fabric like denim and cotton and every day fabric or professional looking fabric for work wardrobes. The fabric area is a small portion of the store. Do they think it’s not a fabric store? And the fabric is very pricey even when on sale.

[@victoriaogletree4669]

I have toyed about shopping on line at Mood Fabrics grabbing a little here and there. With Project Runway shopping there it's a big expensive step up. The Fabrics are fabulous! I will shop there when I began working again. But for right now this is very, very sad news for Joanns. Your readers are right, they need to get rid of the crafty things like flowers and home goods-they are missing the point with Fabrics and people who really know how to sew. You can go to Michaels for that! I too have noticed the fabric selection is glitzy, Cosplay or fleece, what about real life fabrics?

[@truthhurts-365]

The part where you stated they needed to develop their niche (sewing and fabric) is completely true! If they stick to the basic needs of your everyday home sewists and or designers as well as widen their variety of fashion fabrics and or supplies they could turn things around quite swiftly. They need to leave the crafts and home decor to Michaels and or Hobby Lobby because it’s not working out and in my opinion was a bad decision to begin with. They need to go back to the drawing board and focus on sewing supplies and fabric it’s that simple!

[@peglamphier4745]

The freaking fleece!

[@MicheleEngel]

Their website is one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The search function is a mess, the store inventory data is almost always inaccurate, the time it takes to load products is way too long, and that’s just to name a few of the issues. Why they can’t even design and maintain a user-friendly, accurate web presence is beyond me.

[@BeautifulOaks]

Thanks for sharing. I wish JoAnn Fabrics will hire additional people to restock the shelves in the hours before opening to keep the aisles clear of boxes of merchandise waiting to be shelved and tops of shelves overstocked blocking the ceiling lights from dispersing the light. More JoAnn stores are falling behind in their tidying and restocking. I feel for the employees at these troubled stores because they already are busy at their posts and still being nice humans when frequently called to leave their posts to provide back up. I hope relief is on the way to these stores. Best wishes, JoAnn Fabrics!

[@sandydaniels2668]

They can’t afford to put more people on the payroll.

[@WthrLdy]

Here they aren't restocking so inventory is faster. An unopened box is faster to count than one that is half full on the top of the shelf and misc bits hanging on the pegs. They're pulling that with the yarn here atm. Huge sale, empty racks, but full boxes not 'in the system' up top.

[@brettster3331]

Jen, I do appreciate your reports on JoAnns. The hardship of this company is because a Venture Capitol group purchased it and loaded it with debt, billions of dollars of dept. That money went to shareholders of the Venture capitol group and bonuses for the Venture Capitol group Principals most likely, and not into the stores. So the JoAnn stores are expected to earn enough money to pay all this debt off, this has happened to so many company's over the years and it is not right.

[@venitacoffin204]

Absolutely

[@barbjackowski2776]

I think if they brought back some of their classes it might help them. Craft, quilting, knitting, crocheting, punch needle and some of the trends of today could help their business

[@susanmei9980]

I went to JAF last night, and the last several times I was there, there were tons of carts of supplies in the isles, but most of the shelves were empty. I dropped something on the floor, and when I went to pick it up, I noticed very filthy dust bunnies sticking out from under the shelves, like they had been there for years! The bathrooms are always dirty, and I only saw 3 employees in the entire store. Monday, they had 60% off coupons, but you cd only use them in store. If I cd hv bought online, to pick up in store the next day, I wd hv used them. But I’m not gonna spend half an hour of driving, plus gas, to make a special trip, to use a coupon. Especially when I’m going the next day. I realize they were trying to get ppl in the store. But their good cpns are almost always on the wrong days of the week for me. And don’t get me started abt ordering online! Minimum of 2 yards to purchase. Yet, when I ordered fabric to make a skirt, they sent me two different pieces form two different stores from two different dye lots!!!😡 and the buttons came in a third shipment and it took two weeks to get everything delivered! I ended up going to the store, anyway, in order to get what I needed to complete the project! SMH.

[@elizabethk8938]

I appreciate you doing the research for us. Thank you!

[@crystal-jeanroat2885]

I talked with store manager in 2020 and they made their year long quota by May, because of the pandemic. If they were smart with their finances, they’d be fine now. But, as someone else said- corporate greed from the equity company that owns them took all those profits and pocketed it instead of saving it for a rainy day. Their model with the jacked up prices, crappy merch and coupons to make you feel you’re getting a deal isn’t working anymore. They have been squeezing their distributors and manufacturers for years to cut their costs, and if Joanns goes down, they won’t be the only ones. As much as they crunch the distributors, they need that cash flow to keep their doors open too. The equity company made a mess of a decent company. It’s such a shame.

[@gailrodgers3079]

First I have heard of this. At least currently for me, I have enough sewing supplies to last me a couple hundred years. But if I do need something at a fabric store, without Joanns there would be no place to go in my area. One of the things that I haven't liked in the almost 50 years I have been shopping there, I couldn't understand why they were bringing in garbage stock which to me had no business being in a fabric store and that would be the baking pans, decorations, all sorts of stuff that at the end of the season is selling for so little because no one wanted it. I go to Joannes exclusively for patterns, fabric, and notions, sewing books and magazines. In other words sewing stuff. I don't think of going there for Christmas wrapping paper. They tend to have a lot of quilting fabric, but other types of fabric for sewing garments, etc. are so limited. These past few years, a lot of people got interestedc in sewing, but I know if I want a particular type of fabric I either have to go online or go to a thrift store and upcycle something if I can find a used garment in the fabric I want.

[@Quilt4Joy]

Most quilters know not to get quilting fabric from Joann’s. The quality of fabric is not as good as from a quilt shop.

[@victoriaogletree4669]

Thats because I think it's from China. Most of the labels come from China!

[@yvetteroberson1707]

Thank you for sharing the news. I just went into my JoAnn's and they told me that two other stores near me are closing but combining with one main store in Rancho Cucamonga California. Keep reporting girl and do what we love about you.

[@martyleach6471]

The JoAnn in Moreno Valley closed and now Hobby Lobby which is just across the street from the former JoAnn site has reduced almost all departments including sewing! What lost opportunity for Hobby Lobby. I use the JoAnn in Redlands now. But I won't go to Rancho if Redlands closes. The traffic is just so awful.

[@kathypariso6102]

This is important because over the last 20+ years, JoAnn’s has bought out all the other fabric store chains: There literally are no other choices. The stuff at Walmart, you could burn, it is that bad. And while the quality at Hobby Lobby is okay, they have carried the same prints forever! That leaves the independents which generally are higher quality, but buying fabric through the mail is always a 50/50 proposition. Colors are never totally accurate, and weight and stretch factors aren’t always accurate either.

[@randywdc1]

You're spot on. JoAnn's need to start listening to their customers. What's up with making their coupons "On-line or Store Pick-up Only"? They're discouraging in-store shopping. I've lost count of how many people I've seen place on-line orders only to have them cancelled without any explanation.

[@DarHarper-i8o]

Thank you for your Updates on this situation. Have a Wonderful day!

[@kaygee8343]

Thanks so much for keeping us updated as to what industry professionals are saying about JoAnns. This way, if anything happens with regard to closures or downsizing, it won't come as a surprise. Appreciate your efforts!.

[@vanessajones3508]

I appreciate these reports on Joann's. I was in Joann's on 1-10-24 to purchase shoulder pads. They only had two packages in the aisle. That shows they are not replacing their inventory. I hate to see Joann's go out of business. I will be stocking up on vintage patterns when Joann's has their $1.99 sales. I will also be stocking up on interfacing.

[@shirleyleon7471]

Glad you are talking about this.

[@michellem8284]

I received a gift card for Christmas and wanted to use it in case the stores close. The store I went to was a complete mess. Stacks of unopened inventory everywhere, messy shelves, bolts of fabric stacked everywhere, and limited selection. Luckily, I used my gift card, but it was not a pleasant experience.

[@ivybichon8582]

You can never use the coupons becase everything is on sale. The stores appear sloppy and the fabric is beyond more expensive than it used to be. Shelves are often empty

[@jilbertb]

I go to Joann's once a week specifically to use my coupons. There is a coupon for 20% off your fabric (yes, even sale fabric), and you can use other coupons on machine needles, thread, rotary blades, etc... I never buy anything full price - not even candy! 😂

[@militarymom6690]

I agree - the fabric is ridiculously expensive now. And I think Michael’s was involved in a class action lawsuit suit for the same reason- no one could use coupons b/c everything was always on sale (at less of a discount than your coupon). I get coupons all the time from Joann - actually just shopped there this morning and was able to get what I was looking for and use the 50%off coupon - but my items were ‘little’ inexpensive craft stuff.

[@carolinedubose5136]

I grew up shopping for fabric at SoFro fabrics and when they went out had no choice but to shop at Joann. I agree that Joann has gotten too broad over the years. I miss having a good selection of fabric for apparel! I hope that the company can get it together and keep going!

[@lisamessina5952]

I worked at So Fro for awhile. Maybe late 80s early 90s. They had really nice apparel fabric back then. I loved trying out the different machines too.

[@marcysikes]

I really hate to see Joann’s go out of business! It is the only large fabric store in middle Georgia. I agree with others who said they need to get their focus back on fabric and other sewing supplies. Also it is important to have employees who can educate their customers by answering their questions.

[@irisdown9758]

I am British on holiday in the US for a month. An avid knitter I brought patterns planning to shop for yarn. Wow! Walmart, rubbish, Joann’ miles of thick stuff for blankets no DK. Michaels again very limited DK no 3 ply and insufficient quantities in the same dye lot. I found two independent stores in a 60 miles radius which only opened for a few hours at the weekend selling as you would expect more high end yarns. What a shock and a let down!

[@trishkcmo3683]

I was in there the other day. The employees are unaware of potential closures. The store was 35 minutes late opening the doors.

[@jilbertb]

You may to all like to thank former president TRUMP for the price increases on fabric. He put a 25% import tax on Chinese goods, so Joann's moved production to S/West Asia (besides Chinese cotton was crap). Most fabrics are now made in Afghanistan, India, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, etc... so, larger shipping costs plus they actually pay workers better wages, hence more expensive fabric, rather than free Chinese labor using ethnic slaves in concentration camps. Also why companies like H&M, Zara, Prada, etc... left China as well. Another HUGE problem is the owner, Mr. Leonard Green, who takes 20% of profit right off the top (before expenses) for himself - not for his investment co. If the company could have saved HUGE pandemic profits for these leaner times, the company would be far better off. When executives give themselves huge bonuses and limit store employees annual raises to .25-.35 cents per hour, yes, many EXPERIENCED ppl left. When they pass over promoting an Asst Mgr to Manager, because they can hire some man desperate for a job for $20-30k less, you get shit for brains management.

[@maureencapobianco3596]

Thanks for the update. I got a $100 gift card for Christmas. I hope they will be around for me to use it!

[@DarHarper-i8o]

I pray they will get the help they need. I think about So Many that will lose their jobs .

[@heidilange4089]

JoAnn’s got rid of all their full time employees now they’re part-time and they had to take a pay cut.

[@gailcarey3597]

I am so dismayed by the textiles and workmanship of store bought apparel. I’d love to be able to afford patterns and good fabric.

[@sallyb7472]

Hobby Lobby has made their fabric department smaller and we have no Joann in this city.

[@zuria07]

I was in JoAnn for a few hours the other week just sitting and browsing the sewing pattern catalogs. It made me wonder why JoAnns hasn’t adopted a “third space” kind of model like Barnes and Noble. I think that would be nice. Imagine bringing your craft to Joann and having a cup of coffee or tea, taking classes, or meeting other crafters.

[@cathybabnick7326]

I shop at a newly built Joanns that has a large craft/sewing/classroom in the center of the store. That space has never been utilized as intended. Today, it is an extension of the store's backroom. Tables and chairs are pushed aside, unopened boxes of merchandise are piled high. Shelves are empty, and employees say they are trying to hire so that they have workers to restock shelves. Twice now, I have left without buying anything because the items were not on the shelves. You can't sell it if it is not available for the customer to select and purchase. Empty shelves are almost always a sign of failing retail. And, the problems began long before the shelves went bare.

[@WthrLdy]

WAAAAY back in the day, they did have such spaces. You could come and sit and work, chat, get help etc, I'm talking back in the early 90s era.

[@joolst1149]

I just ordered things from Joanne’s. 2b honest, it would be sad if they go under. That said, their customer service needs improvement

[@chaundra2456]

I'm super interested in this! Thank you for the video & information! 💖

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

You do not need to spend four minutes apologizing to dumb people. All these chains have problems based on contemporary business practice, blame Jack Welch and “consulting” firms. If Joanne’s was already in the hands of a Bain or other vulture capitalist they’re putting knives in the companies back.

[@nancynprice2023]

I like to place Online Orders for Fabric from Joann’s, BUT I don’t all the time due to having to buy 2 yards of fabric. Give us the option to purchase 1 yard. We don’t always need 2 yards.

[@Freefolkcreate]

I buy my major supplies at basement sales, and thrift markets. I can't afford retail for the most part. But if someone is up for the adventure, it can be an option for the times we live in.

[@krisniznik3953]

Once they became almost the monopoly fabric store in the area, the quality of the fabric went way down. It is almost impossible to find the quality and selection needed for designer patterns. When there were several stores to choose from they were all better than JoAnne is now.

[@KathrynRose-schultz-qs6qw]

I worked at Fabricland and Joann’s 1970s. They both do not pay their employees for the worth of their knowledge! They would be farther down the hole if it was not for the people working for them. This is a throw back to women not being payed a fair wage! Then life happens recessions, COVID, they grab for more money in stead of regrouping and keeping simple! Fabric stores have always been about skimming more money and growing beyond means!

[@sherribarry7143]

1st it was Minnesota Fabrics, now Joanne Fabrics. I was disappointed when they cut their stamps and card making card stock options. So now we are force to order garment fabric online which sucks because ain’t nothing like walking into the fabric section and feel the fabric fluidity/drape & such.

[@lorim2074]

I'm still shopping at JOANNS, but I'm doing it intentionally. Hundreds if not more nearly bought a ton of fleece fabric to make blankets for the homeless here in Vegas. While I love shopping at quilt shops, their prices are much higher, so it's something JOANNS can leverage and they are also online or offer curb side pickup, free project patterns, tutorials, etc., so they are providing shoppers with a lot of options. Meanwhile, even though our quilt shops are trying to keep prices down as much as possible, even they have to raise prices to stay in business while we're experiencing higher business costs. My love of quilting drives me to support buying local and I want to see this skill grow in my community, so I'll support them all as much as I can to keep all my shopping options open. Thank you for keeping this in your news. I'm glad to see this important topic in your news. ❤

[@tammyjones6358]

I don't buy in a physical Joann's store because they shut down the one close buy and I don't drive the distance very often to where the other one is at. I have bought from Joann's online, but delivery is very long and sometimes you get an email saying your order cannot be fulfilled because product is not available.

[@myscrappinmama]

My joann has zero valentine fabric but tons of flannel and Christmas. It was unreal.

[@bettycoffin4206]

Long ago in Michigan we had a great store called Minnesota Fabrics which closed and turned into Joann's. As a quilter, a lot of Joann's fabric is woven too loosely and frays badly., which i will not buy. Lately, when I've had questions where in the store items are located, i get the deer-in-headlights stare from the employees. They don't know where stuff is located. Their coupon game is assinine too. This is my last resort store as I'd rather order online.

[@seekingjoynow1722]

The store near me did a big renovation just before Covid. I wondered how they were doing. I shop there once in a while. So many. businesses are going under. It feels like losing an old friend when a long time store or restaurant closes.

[@carolfryer9494]

I have begged Joanne to get in apparel knits and more bra making supplies for years. They never would. All they have here is cotton and fleece. No...they don't listen.

[@melodywalls4693]

They raised their prices so high that you find things for half of what they charge

[@kjmav10135]

The problem with Joann during the pandemic was also that the supply chain was destroyed. I went into Joann once it was open, and there were NO bolts of quilting fabric. Shelves were empty during the pandemic. I would think that would be hard to recover from.

[@RobinClayborne]

TELL THE TRUTH!!!!!! I used to work for JoAnn Fabrics 10 years ago when I was going to fashion designing.I work there as a part-time salesperson. I love working with my coworkers and customers. My store closed because it was small store and not a super store. I love the smaller store better. They built too many super stores. Keep up the good work 💪!!! Have a wonderful evening and stay CREATIVE 😊 Robin N Otis -Clayborne

[@DistractedDaisy]

I’ll tell you that during Christmas I bought two orders over 100 online and each order came in multiple packages. What ever they made in profit sales the lost in shipping. I was like this is crazy. How are they making money?

[@irisdown9758]

Anybody who shops expects a clean environment, fully stocked shelves and sufficient staff. None of these were present at my local SC store last week. What stock there was could be fitted into a building a quarter of the size.

[@TheSliverleaf]

Sadly my JoAnn’s is a mess and looks like a you-know-what went off. Shelves are almost empty to empty and new merchandise is coming in and stacking up everywhere. Merchandise from different departments is all over the place. There were 5 people “working” but of the five only one was truly working and the aisle they were working was just an absolute disaster. I went to the fabric department (still always hoping I might learn to sew something worth wearing) and it was horrible!! I felt so bad for us and them, that I began sorting, organizing, and restocking the patterns. the top of the drawers were so filthy, I wasn’t sure if it looked better or not after I was done. None of the people working there are the same that had been for years and the one person cutting fabric was as useless as they come. Outside of the one working employee, the rest looked as if they hadn’t taken a shower in weeks and their clothing and aprons were appalling. Couple of them smelled so bad you could not be anywhere near them. I will admit I’m part of the problem. I want to sew clothes but the patterns are horrible for the time we are in. Yes, I don’t have proper sewing skills BUT I should be able to get a fairly close’ish pattern without hours and hours and hours of fitting and refitting. If you can buy off the rack and about 90% of the population can reasonably wear it, then why can’t a pattern come somewhat close to 90% of us? The “ blocks” are just old and outdated. Then the fabrics, you can’t find apparel fabrics that is “normal “ and worth sewing with and ultimately wearing, should you be able to complete the project. I asked my mom “ how did you do?” She said “ oh sweetie the stores were so much different back in my day. You had beautiful fabrics and trims to pick from and (the store she shopped at) the they would put the patterns best suited for the fabrics right there.” She said if you got stuck, you could reach out to a friend or go back to the store and they would help and guide you. She then said the fabric today is horrible and there would be no way she could sew with it. Buying on line has never worked for me and that’s when my mom said “ well maybe that’s why everyone is now quilting lol” so after taking many classes and trying over and over again to get something, anything to look somewhat good, I’m not sure where to shop to find fabric if they close. Sorry so long.

[@christinabowles9294]

I find it hard to shop at my Joann. My local store has a dangerous parking lot. In the winter the parking lot is never plowed. It is icy and dangerous. At the entrance to the store there is a security guard. It makes you feel uncomfortable. I don’t want my local store to go out of business. I would like Joann to think about where their store is located and if it is time to relocate to be profitable. I feel like this store is just existing. If all of the Joann stores are neglected in this way it will not surprise me to see them go out of business.

[@user-kl8lo6rj5i]

When Hancock Fabrics folded it was awful. Hancock was my go-to fabric store. Jo Ann was less friendly, selection wasn't as good and prices were higher, but it was all that was left in town except for WalMart and now Hobby Lobby, which again, not much selection and high prices. Of course we are looking online. The days of finding decent quality fabrics at reasonable prices are over.

[@joantomlin7281]

I worked at Jo-Ann during covid. Sales were through the roof. From April 1st to the third week of July there was always a line at the cutting counter and I was told the store had met its' sales goal for the year by the middle of the 3rd quarter. Jo-Ann had a huge increase in online sales too. My store went from about 30 orders a day to 1,000. Starting in 2018, customers were asking if we were going out of business during the annual July sales. Methinks competitors are spreading rumors

[@pamelacrooker9274]

I don’t want to see them go. I shop at Joann’s but I will start buying more of my fabric there, instead of on line. I like having them around especially for notions and rulers but only a small percentage of my fabric is bought there though.

[@stache1954]

Everything that you're doing is just fine.

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi. If anyone thinks you are being mean to JoAnn, is just your average hater that always has something to say and don't even know you or your channel. Thank you for all your videos and have a nice day.

[@naomiparnell4332]

Joanns went out of business in my home town....now I have to order everything online

[@nancy9478]

I would like to see them go back to fabric and textiles like yarn, and stop trying to be a home decor store with some craft items. Leave that for Michaels. And drop the witchcraft/tarot/crystals garbage in the stores. That is a huge turn off. I want to browse fabrics, get advise on choosing quilt colors. I woulld like to see finished sample items sewn and labeled with the pattern number, like Hobby Lobby does. And clean the dang bathrooms!!

[@hyacinth4368]

Less fleece and flannel, and more garment fabric choices. I never purchase fleece- I hate to sew it!

[@julesanaplans4162]

Um Joann has been half fabrics half craft for almost 30 years. They are not going to stop selling crafts. I work there , we sell a ton of floral and crafts.

[@jackiedesiraye]

since October'23?? that's when i moved to Mexico. i didn't realize i was the one keeping them in business 😮. don't worry, I'm coming back next month.

[@paulbirmingham]

I'm not a sewist, but could see Joann's closing standalones and becoming a store-within-a-store of another company. Similar to Aaron Brothers inside Michael's.

[@susanmei9980]

Interesting. That’s where Joann’s started out. They were a satellite store inside of Wegmans, back in the 70’s & 80’s, until they were bought out by someone else.

[@susanmei9980]

PS: And I might add, they had much higher quality fabric, back in those days! Oh, the luscious, beautiful, and expensive (to me) fabrics they had! I remember buying this beautiful floral, printed on eyelet fabric; it was gorgeous; and I splurged for a special outfit. It was $12.99 a yard! (That was a LOT, back in those days! Matter of fact, I feel it’s a lot, although common, these days! 😂)

[@colleenanderson223]

I rarely shop at JoAnn's. My local one is a junky place. They sell the lowest quality fabrics and thread. If I need a zipper, I have to open drawers and look for the one I want. No one restocks. Fabric bolts are lying in the aisles. I buy my quilting cotton at the local quilt shop and have to purchase all of my clothing fabric online. I would love to be able to purchase from a local store but JoAnn's does not carry quality fabrics.

[@heatherbade8537]

I went in to JoAnn's yesterday and they had a sign up that said they are temporarily out of gift cards. I wonder if this is a step toward closing? It makes me so sad because there is no where else to get the amount of different fabrics they carry. I really hope they get it together, but I am scared!

[@c.christman9649]

I am 2 miles from a Joann’s fabric store but seldom shop there. I prefer online where I can compare stores,prices and quality. Also, Walmart is one mile from Joann’s where name brand fabrics and supplies can be purchased everyday for less without having to use coupons. I would like to see Joann’s grow with an expanded line of name brand quilting and garment fabrics with the addition of quality classes to interest those not sewing but have machines. They also need to get rid of the artificial flowers,wreaths, holiday decor and candy making supplies. Unfortunately, none of this is possible due to corporate greed. They want Joan’s to default and disappear in order to support those stores that are stocked with cheap Chinese products, providing shareholders with more gains. It’s a Wall St. world.

[@VintageLPs]

I love to shop at Jo-Ann’s but I rarely go because I have enough sewing and knitting supplies to last me three lifetimes. I could easily get enticed to purchase yarn IF they didn’t have the same exact colors year after year. They need to switch to other brands if companies like Sugar ‘N Cream never, ever come out with new colors (which they don’t)! As far as quilt fabrics go, they do not sell best quality 100% cotton but their price for a yard practically matches first quality 100% cotton sold in quilt shops. At $14.00 a yard, I may buy a yard for an apron but I sure couldn’t afford the number of yards needed for the front and back of a quilt. We have a nice JoAnn’s and yes, there seems to be a man running the store now but he greets customers and always asks if he can help. I just wonder if young people in the workforce even make their own clothing. I sewed so many skirts, blouses and dresses for work that I could go 45 business days and never wear the same outfit twice but who wears a skirt or dress to work these days? I hope we don’t lose JoAnn’s. Hobby Lobby has a good selection of cottons and cotton blends but I never see a clerk in that dept. nor do I see any customers even browsing. They (HL) also really ruined their yarn department by removing any brands that were not their own. Heartbreaking so I almost exclusively buy yarn online for a specific pattern now.

[@annedilworth597]

Joann’s lost my business due to increased prices well beyond the quality of products. I tried online purchasing with misfiled items or broken on arrival. I hope they can right the ship but I don’t know….

[@norapech9526]

Saw this coming a few years ago. All boils down to is GREED..... .

[@suzannakoizumi8605]

Nope Wokeness.

[@Grammy52]

The fabric selection is inadequate. Good enough for home decor, costumes, or children’s clothes usually, but I always have problems finding anything suitable for my clothing. In the last couple of years I’ve gone to Joann for scrapbooking supplies because Michael’s seems to be phasing it out, but my last trip the craft section looked like an unsupervised kindergarten field trip had been through there. It was unstocked and in shambles. For years, they have priced everything too high so they can make a big deal out of marking everything 40-50% off. Then, they give you coupons that aren’t valid for sale items or doorbusters, and their “reward” program is worthless.

[@kc8ueu]

JoAnn's has been a mess for a long time. In the 90's, the store closest to me was convenient and had plenty of parking, but was always a huge mess and had the most awful group of employees I ever encountered. They were simply STUPID. Most knew nothing about sewing, they would try to sell you stuff you didn't need, and were NOT courteous or polite. The prices were ridiculously high also. I finally stopped shopping there and didn't go back in the store for years. Still don't go in there much, out of habit. I hadn't known about their corporate financial situation, but somehow I'm not too surprised...I hope there's a solution that benefits everybody, but I seriously doubt it.

[@micheleh4016]

As a retail customer my opinion is that Joann's is a mess. Always has been. Stores are messy and just downright dirty. And this is in Naples, Fl,, one of the most expensive, exclusive areas in the country. The help is practicaly non-existent. When you can find a worker, they seldom have the knowledge one expects. Among our local quilting guild (over 200 members) Joann's is considered the provider of last resort. We chuckle and roll our eyes when someone says they had to go there because they had exhausted all other options. This is not a recipe for success!

[@lindatonkin3802]

I love Joann's and wish they had more fabric and not so much flannel. They used to have a lot of beautiful fabric to choose from. I hope they don't go out of business.

[@DisMindy5767]

Joann's is practically all we have left for sewing supplies and fabrics. I don't want to buy fabric online. I need to feel it. I need to assess its texture, weight and drape. G Street fabrics was a small business with only a handful of shops but they carried everything including men's suit fabrics. They also had classes but they're gone now. Hancock fabrics is gone and the wonderful Cloth World is also gone. Prices on fabrics are so high that you can no longer save money by sewing your own. I end up sewing only when I can't find what I want. Its really sad. I'm 60 and have been sewing for 52 years!

[@abr5873]

I loved G street fabrics!!!

[@krisniznik3953]

If they wanted to be an online store too, they would have needed a less sucky website.

[@Zine2me]

I think if JoAnn's had stuck with sewing, fabric, knitting, and fiber related things it would have been fine. The fact that they felt compelled to compete on every other form of craft just weakend their foundation. They are experiencing the failure that often accompanies greed. They went with spreading themselves thing and carrying cheap "quick craft" crap instead of sticking to what they knew. Blick Art supplies didn't branch into fine fabrics and they sell to a specific market and they're doing fine. Lots of business who stayed in their lane are managing. JoAnn's just wanted to muscle into too many arenas. In My Opinion. They don't even know where to begin to look for solutions because they lost track of what they were good at.

[@yolandawatson9949]

Absolutely!!!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Joann’s needs to go back to basics and REQUIRE their employees to actually know how to sew! Not just “oh I am going to learn” or the “no, I do not know how to sew” Seriously? Good grief. I wind up answering sewing and fabric questions because the employees have absolutely NO CLUE! I have been asked by a few customers over the years if I would teach them to sew. I knew who in the store had a ‘side hustle’ of teaching people to sew. Not just how to thread a sewing machine! Get rid of the ‘silk’ flowers, the crafty junk. Let Michael’s and Hobby Lobby do that. Go back to SEWING! They used to carry very nice bridal fabrics, tailoring components, beautiful fabrics, etc. Currently they carry cheap quilting cotton, some knit fabrics, and tacky ‘seasonal’ costuming…well, junk! Get rid of the junk! Restock your stores with QUALITY fabrics. Get rid of the hokey coupons with all kinds of ‘fine’ print. HIRE PEOPLE WHO REALLY CAN SEW. I worked for a large fabric store as a part time ( nights and weekends)employee as a second job. I had to bring in samples of clothes I had made, wear what I had made, and I had to know about fabrics and threads. Back when a new product called Ultra Suede was introduced and was $40/yd. In the 70’s! They had beautiful tweeds, woolens, so much very nice fabric! Fabric.com was purchased and destroyed by AMAZON. Amazon took all the fabrics and pre-cut them. So, if you buy fabric from Amazon you will not get the important fabric information and you have to buy it in a precut size. Multiple pieces just to get what you need. Sad, so very sad. There are other sources for the correct threads you need for special fabrics, tailoring, bespoke and couture sewing. Sad to say…no great loss if JoAnns closes if you use good fabrics and they cannot upgrade what they offer.

[@sheffi01008631]

Alert! Everyone who loves your Joann, better start teaching sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting to generate business for your craft community!

[@mariatal3519]

They should’ve never sold out to corporate America. Fabric stores are needed. You have to see and feel the fabric.

[@dispatch911comm]

The one near me is way over priced and the quality and selection has become really terrible. They aren’t the only store doing it sadly. Every time I go into HL I think 50% off of a - have you lost your mind- price is still a have you lost your mind price. Especially for poorly made, cheap materials items. Many of us have tried to keep purchasing in our local brick and mortar stores, but that is just becoming more and more impossible😞

[@melodywalls4693]

How long do we have to soreness our gift cards?

[@onemercilessming1342]

Farmhouse Fabrics. Great service, prompt attention.

[@TLStitches]

Never heard of them. Online or brick and mortar?

[@hyacinth4368]

They are online. I've used them occasionally for years because they stock fabrics I can't find anywhere else, especially since I like to sew for children.

[@nancyjohnston6076]

The cotton fabrics at JoAnn are crap - horrible quality. NO one should use them for quilting. Their discount/coupon practices suck. When they put out a good coupon, they literally hide certain things in other parts of the store so they don't have to sell them at a discount. And their prices? They have things like the set of very plain, plastic salad tongs I saw priced at $39.99. WTH? Sure, they put a 60% or 70% discount on them eventually, but why? Their final sale price is still more than the item should be selling for. I refuse to buy there. I'll support a good company with great offerings like RangerInk and StampersANonymous for paper crafting and online fabric companies I know I'll get quality from.

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

At my Joann's sorry to say the customer service is awful. So I find it frustrating. Sadly they have the best fabric. However the thing is they charge so much that you can buy it far cheaper in line. They have sales on certain days certain items. But certain days are other items.Whonon earth is going to keep going to get the one item and then go another day for something else. Then they give out a coupon for 50 percent off a regular priced item . When you take the item to the counter they inform you that item is in sale they just didn't mark it. Very frustrating. We have gotten our Hobby Lobby back and soon we will be getting our Michaels back as well. I love Joann's fabric but it is high priced. Notions for sewing are often priced way above. Does it surprise me they are having financial difficulty absolutely not.

[@susieqmcf]

In my opinion, Joann sells poor quality fabric. They sell the same notions you can buy elsewhere. Here in Scranton PA there is literally no other fabric store. I can drive 45 minutes to a couple of independent rural fabric stores. This wastes most of a whole day so I end up ordering online instead. I hope Joann goes out of business, gets out of the way, and allows smaller independent fabric stores to return.

[@rncine]

I stopped going to JoAnns because they don’t get enough Tim Holtz products. They even stopped carrying his material 😕

[@carolfryer9494]

Allot of retail stores are switching key popular items online to force the public to shop online.

[@3catmom844]

Sorry to hear this but, not unexpected. I stopped shopping there a few years ago due to sub-standard products. Their fabric has really gone downhill in the last few years.

[@lissyperez4299]

I stopped shopping there when I saw almost an isle full of books on witchcraft ! Never again.

[@md2992]

Thank you for the report. During covid I was hoping for their downfall. I was not happy with their covid policy (for any business, really). No one was allowed in the store without a mask (now dogs are welcomed, lol). I chose not to go in the store if I had to wear a mask, so I just began ordering online at other places. It just seemed that masks took center stage and everything else backstage. A lot of what they carry is overpriced unless you use a coupon, but even the coupon deals can be "iffy", if the item is already on sale for 30% off, you can't use that 50% off coupon, instead. I sew, but I still don't shop at Joanne's like I used to pre "covid". I do miss Hancock Fabrics because they didn't sell a lot of junk along with the fabric.

[@sandyheller5438]

I miss Hancock fabrics also. They were a great fabric store.

[@WthrLdy]

I also miss Hancocks.

[@julesanaplans4162]

I guess their employees didn't want to get sick ,just so people could buy fabrics, shame on them.

[@darygal64]

Ignore the haters, they don’t even care what you’re reporting on, they just spew their negativity. I hope Joanne’s can pull through, other than Hobby Lobby we don’t have anymore store to buy fabric. House of fabrics and Beverly are gone. They are the last actual fabric stores.