The crafting industry is projected to continue to grow to $5.1 billion, but DIY creatives will no longer have Joann stores to shop at as of the end of May. Michaels hopes to get their business.
Joann plans to close 500 locations, stop accepting gift cards and returns
Crafts store Joann has asked a judge to allow it to begin liquidation sales and give customers a short window to use gift cards and return items. (Scripps News)
Scripps News
Michaels is trying to woo shoppers of fabric and craft retailer Joann, which will close all of its stores by the end of May.
The largest craft retailer in the U.S., Michaels has posted a message on its website, saying, “Welcome JOANN Customers. We’ve got your go-to essentials & so much more!” Stockton’s Michaels store is located in the Pacific Town Center at 628 W. Hammer Lane.
The welcome note comes as Joann, which had operated about 800 stores, is in the process of closing them all after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2025, its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year.
About one-third of its stores closed last month, according to retail liquidator GA Group, which along with Joann’s term lenders acquired Joann’s assets in February 2025. Joann’s remaining 500-plus stores are scheduled to wrap up going-out-of-business sales and close by the end of May, the company has said.
The demise of Joann, which focused mainly on quilting and sewing, will be a tough one for some consumers, Abby Glassenberg, co-founder of Craft Industry Alliance, told news site Modern Retail.
“It’s a really important part of the ecosystem,” Glassenberg said. “On the flip side, without a Joann breathing down your neck in every major metropolitan area in the United States, some of these independent stores that are brick and mortar have a better shot, because they’re now the only shop in town.”
Joann reported $2.2 billion in sales in 2023 – and a net loss of $200.6 million. That’s a good share of the U.S. craft, fabric and sewing supplies store industry, estimated at $5.1 billion in 2025 after five years consecutive 0.2% growth, according to research firm IBISworld. Joann leaves the retail scene as interest in crafting has blossomed on social media with craft videos racking up views on TikTok and Instagram (Search #craftnight or #craftideas)
Michaels has ‘significant opportunity’ with Joann stores closing
Michaels, which was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas, has more than 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada, seems a logical destination for crafting customers. But other stores could benefit, too,
After Joann announced its plan to close stores in February, Numerator did an online survey of 500 Joann shoppers and found that three-fourths (74%) would likely shift their purchases to chain craft stores such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Many also said they would shop online (44%) or go to mass retailers such as Walmart or Target (39%). Other destinations: independent or local retailers (24%) and dollar or discount stores (23%).
“As a result of widespread store closures, nearly three-quarters of JOANN shoppers plan to shift their spending to other chain craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, signaling a significant opportunity for competitors to capture displaced demand,” Numerator said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
