The past few months have been tumultuous for Joann Fabrics, the craft and hobby retailer. First there was news of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy, then the move to close approximately 500 of their 800 or so stores, and soon after that announcement, an auction that determined their fate. Each and every last store will begin liquidation and then shutter their doors. This news has saddened numerous people who have relied on the store over the years. The closure will affect many, regardless of whether they know it. It will cost thousands of people their jobs and a dependable place to shop. Anyone from homemakers who count on the store to provide their supplies, hobby crafters, to people needing supplies for a school or work project.
I’d say I’m in that middle group; my time spent in Joann has mostly been to shop for items to fuel my creative ideas and adventures. I have yet to sell anything I’ve made on Etsy or Depop, and my crafting has been just a hobby to explore my interests and different things that inspire me. But I’m still deeply upset with this news. Hobby Lobby hasn’t been a store I’ve shopped at in probably 7 years. Ever since their smuggling of artifacts and political donations came to light, I’ve preferred to avoid them. They also never really had the selection of items that Joann seemed to have, and Hobby Lobby has never given me that enjoyable of a shopping experience. Michael’s on the other hand is a store I do frequently shop at, but they’ve never had as much whimsy as Joann. Plus! Michael’s doesn’t sell fabric, which is a stable of Joann Fabrics.Â
Not everyone has the luxury of having a nearby small fabric or craft store. While at times like these it’s especially important to make sure small businesses are supported and ensure they can withstand the direction shopping is going in, it’s not possible for everyone. Which results in shoppers resorting to online ordering, like Amazon. The thing is, Amazon is likely to blame for at least some of Joann’s issues. Now, did Joann mismanage a lot of their situations that could’ve been avoided? I mean, certainly to some extent. But so much of their decline has been due to lessened inventory, decreased sales, and competition. To really understand this, you do have to look at the bigger picture.
It goes without saying that Amazon has unrivaled power right now. People have gravitated towards Amazon because of its rapid efficiency, which presumably could have affected Joann’s sales. For many, it’s far easier to just order online and find something to buy with less effort than strolling down the aisles of a store. But Joann has always been such a fascinating store to get lost in. When no other store has been of help, I’ve found some of the most interesting things in their store. There’s maybe nothing that compares to getting lost in a craft store, but that’s something that most people have found to be a hassle.Â
Considering Joann isn’t yet gone, it’s making it hard to admit that soon they will be. In a way, they’ve been a bit of a safe haven. Losing a key place for creatives is certainly a significant upset, especially when we’re in a period that makes it so vital to be expressive and creative. Succumbing to having to order from businesses that don’t even value their customers one bit gives a sense of defeat. But it doesn’t mean there’s no chance to protest it. There’s still room to create and spread a passion for originality and expression. And maybe stocking up on the Joann items you’ve been eyeing for a while is the starting point.