Crafters in crisis after Joann Fabrics and Crafts announces closures

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Joann Inc. of Joann Fabrics has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and will soon close 500 of their 800 stores across the nation, leaving many crafters upset.

Locally, that means six locations will be closing their doors soon: Goshen, Michigan City, Plymouth, Mishawaka, South Bend, and Benton Harbor.

Joann first sought Chapter 11 in March 2024, emerging as a private company. Fast forward to January, they again had to file for bankruptcy after additional operational challenges.

The documents filed Wednesday explained they need to close “underperforming” locations in order to sell the business. That motion is seeking the court’s permission to begin the closure processes.

In Mishawaka, many customers, like Kathrine Craker, are unsure of where else they will find their specific crafting and fabric needs.

“Maybe someone will step up to fill the gap with like something local which would be amazing, but right now there’s not a lot of other options,” said Craker.

There are other options, like local shop Sew Unique by Jackie owned by Jackie Gentner, but she says while they do have some of the special items crafters look for, people are going to have to make a drive for more niche merchandise.

“We carry a full line of fabric that is very good quality and all the notions to go with that fabric and patterns and we do classes… to find those other fabrics, I think they’re going to need to go to Shipshewana or up in Grand Rapids to Field’s fabrics. There’s not anything else that’s close,” said Gentner.

Some crafters like Suzie Brandenburg have been long-time loyal customers to Joann Fabrics. She’s been shopping at the Mishawaka location since 1981, and said she’ll be sad to see it go.

“It’s just disappointing but it seems to be the way things are going for businesses ever since pandemic it’s really caused an issue…on my receipt she marked that things had to be returned in 14 days, so evidently that gives us a time slot,” said Brandenburg.

As of now, there is no timeline for when those closures will take place and how many employees will be impacted.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.