End of the Thread: Joann’s Closure Marks a Turning Point in America’s Crafting Culture
May/12/2025
After 82 years of tactile tradition and community presence, Joann — the iconic American craft-supply chain — has entered its final chapter, shuttering all 800 stores amid a second bankruptcy. As customers mourn the tactile joy of evaluating fabrics in fluorescent-lit aisles, industry observers note that online alternatives and competitors like Michaels and Hobby Lobby are unlikely to fully replicate Joann’s role as a haven for artisans and hobbyists. The closure opens a window for opportunistic expansion from off-price retailers such as Burlington, which is eyeing vacated storefronts for growth in an otherwise stagnant retail property market. Yet, the emotional void left behind may be harder to fill: Joann wasn’t just about glue guns and grosgrain—it was about human touch, artistic dialogue, and the continuity of domestic creativity. Following tag cloud shows all registered and pending trademarks by Joann Stores with related classes, offering a comprehensive visual overview of the brand’s intellectual property footprint across various goods and service categories.
