Crafters in 49 states, including California, may want to consider stocking up on supplies as fabric and craft chain Joann prepares to close more than half of its U.S. locations.
The retailer told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday that it would be closing "approximately 500" of its roughly 850 locations across the U.S. That list includes about 60 in California. The news comes after the company filed for bankruptcy a second time in less than a year in January after initially filing and then going private in March 2024.
In its statement, Joann said it is looking to "right-size its store footprint."
"This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers, and all of the communities we serve," Joann's statement said. "A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time."
While the chain did not release an official list to the public, it did submit locations slated to close to the court as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Court documents list 533 stores across 49 states on the chopping block.
What Joann stores are closing in California?
Here's a list of Joann stores closing in California, according to Chapter 11 bankruptcy documents.
In addition to the California locations, Joann plans to close 36 in Florida, 33 in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, 26 in Illinois, 24 in New York, 21 in Washington, 20 in Indiana, and 19 in Massachusetts, according to court documents.
Earlier this month, Joann announced it would lay off hundreds of workers at its West Coast distribution in California. According to two Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notices received by the California Employment Development Department, the company reported it would lay off 209 employees at its distribution center in Visalia. The layoffs are expected to begin on March 30.
Who owns Joann?
Joann was founded in 1943 and sells various crafting supplies, including fabric by the yard, sewing machines, Cricut machines, yarn, home decor and more.
The company went private in 2011 when it was acquired by the equity firm Leonard Green & Partners for about $1.6 billion. In 2021, Joann, still majority-owned by Leonard Green & Partners, went public at an initial $12 a share.
Joann became a private company again in April following its initial bankruptcy filing, so its shares were no longer listed by the Nasdaq or any other national stock exchange.
What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a “reorganization” bankruptcy, typically allows the debtor to maintain possessions while a reorganization is proposed and enacted. This reorganization is intended to restructure a business, allowing greater flexibility in repaying debts.
During Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the debtor can continue operating its business and borrowing new money with court approval. When a reorganization is proposed, the affected creditors may vote on it.