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Joann, a crafts and fabrics retailer with a history spanning 80 years, announced the closure of all 800 of its stores across 49 states. This decision stems from ongoing financial struggles and low sales, affecting 19,000 employees, of whom 15,600 are part-time. The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2024, reporting debts between $1 billion and $10 billion. Following a failed attempt to find a buyer, the financial services firm GA Group won the auction for Joann’s assets and decided to completely shut down operations. Going-out-of-business sales commenced immediately, with store closure timelines still to be announced.
Crafters and designers expressed their dismay on social media, highlighting the emotional impact of losing a vital resource for their creative endeavors. Affected individuals shared sentiments about the lack of community and inspiration in the wake of Joann’s closure. Joann’s leadership stated that they made every effort to secure a favorable outcome to keep the company operating, demonstrating that even long-standing businesses can face insurmountable challenges in the current retail landscape.
By Sherin Shibu | FEB 24, 2025
Read the original article at entrepreneur
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