Beloved craft supplies chain Jo-Ann Fabric is staying in business — though, throughout 2023, it has closed eight stores across the United States, according to reports. The move has coincided with other retailers making similar cuts, including Big Lots, Bed, Bath and Beyond, as well as potential cuts at retailers, including Kohl’s.
In November 2022, Jo-Ann was reported to close eight out of its 842 stores in the country — notably two locations in New Hampshire and West Virginia — beginning on Jan. 22, 2023, according to Best Life. The cause appears to partially stem from other arts and crafts retailers closing their doors in recent months, including Asel Art Supply and Fabric.com.
However, it’s also due to a downturn in customers populating arts and crafts stores, according to CBS 8 News and Newsbreak. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, retailers saw a rise in sales and foot traffic while people were exploring their creativity and spending more time at home. Now, however, a “return to normal” has taken that foot traffic back.
According to a CBS 8 News interview with Jo-Ann Fabric’s public relationships manager Shauntine Lilly, the retailer has no plans to permanently close all of its stores. In fact, the limited number of store closures have arrived at a time when the brand is opening undisclosed new locations, a longtime trend within its brick-and-mortar retail plans.
“In alignment with standard brick and mortar business processes, Jo-Ann closes stores occasionally while simultaneously investing in, and opening brand new stores to best meet the needs of our customers,” Lilly stated.
In 2023, JoAnn also closed stores in New York, including the cities of Batavia and Centereach. During both individual and mall location closures, the brand held store-wide liquidation sales — with much of its merchandise discounted from 40 to 60% off.
As Jo-Ann’s closures begin, they’re sure to affect their local communities who favor arts and crafts pursuits. Below, you can discover which Jo-Ann Fabric locations will be closing this year — and in the future.
Jo-Ann Fabric Store Closures
Cockeysville, Maryland: 9978 York Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Keene, New Hampshire: 401 West St., Keene, NH 03431
Batavia, New York: 4152 W Main St #12, Batavia, NY 14020
Centereach, New York: 191 Centereach Mall, Centereach, NY 11720
Bridgeport, West Virginia: 2399 Meadowbrook Mall Rd., Bridgeport, WV 26330
More updates to this story will come as more announcements are made in the future.
