Your video actually prompted me to look up the Joann's I used to frequent, at 9960 Old Katy Road in Houston, TX. Gosh, I can't remember the last time I've been there; one or two years. They're still open but I fail to see how, as corporate has clearly abandoned that location, which can't be more than a decade old. This has a Sears flavor to me, where some corporate raider comes in, strips it for parts, makes themselves and the shareholders a boatload of cash, and then shut it down--but not before treating the employees and customers like trash.
Interesting video, thanks for making it! It must have been a nightmare to work at that store. These exploitative corporate practices are awful for employees and customers alike.
The Holyoke MA location is closing as well. It's the one that's closest to my sister, and she's sad for the closing because she gets a lot of her crafting items there. But, it is/was a BAD store. The lighting is abysmal, and no cell service in it for some reason (which makes coupon utilization more difficulty). The handful of times I was up there visiting, they were super friendly had great customer service. It just looked and felt like a run down store location. My sister will now have to go further to a Michael's in order to get her supplies... unless she wants to travel a few exits (and I think pay a toll) on the Mass Pike to get to another Joann's.... that IS much nicer.... but, she'll probably wind up at Michael's.
My Michaels doesn't have much in the way of fabric. Joann has a lot, Hobby Lobby has a fair selection, then Michaels. In the last year or so, my Joann has had a new roof, parking lot and exterior paint, so I doubt it's on the chopping block.
For me Customer Service and atmosphere are what brings me in. I see such lovely Joann stores in you tube videos but the fabric section of my local store is so cramped you can't have 2 people with carts in the aisle and the bolts are wedged so tight its very difficult to get off the shelf, then cutting tables are under staffed. It is NOT an enjoyable shopping experience. On the other hand, if you're a crafter, those aisles are great, and my granddaughter loves shopping there. Lol, so one of us always leaves happy, and the other always leaves frustrated.
I thought that your observation about expensive notions was interesting. Agree with you! They mark stuff up so high that it is off putting. I miss Hancock Fabrics!
@@Susietacoma I miss Hancock Fabrics, too. Joann does not have any brick and mortar competition in my area for garment fabrics. Competition makes stores better.
Excellent video and observations! I hope they don't close down entirely because I want a place to get patterns (on sale, of course!), thread, and fabric that I can see in person before buying, but almost all the stores seem to have problems, because the whole company is in trouble.
I for one am glad they're closing! Recent "hassle" & they ripped me off, kept me on hold forever & STILL failed to CORRECT & REFUND!!! Thank you for sharing! I'm VERY 😢😢😢😎🩷✌️🤘
Like nearly *ALL* large chain stores that have declared bankruptcy in the last 25+ years, Joanne's was bought by a private equity company. They exist to buy brands they can strip bare, load down with debt (which they extract as income for their own investors) and then have declare bankruptcy. From there they either quickly or slowly sell of the empty husk. In this case, they're selling off the least profitable stores first. The goal is to either empty and close all the stores or close all stores that are not fantastically profitable, and then sell just those as the chain brand.
Seems its happening with everything including water, land, and housing. This PE company grab has to stop somewhere so regular people can still live on earth.
I don't think too many folks like PDF patterns because you either have to print them or send them off to a printer. As of late, I've been studying pattern drafting because there isn't much access to the once popular $1 pattern sales. :-(
Sounds like it was long overdue. Nobody wants to brave a blighted neighborhood just for craft supplies. Too bad they let it go so long that it affected morale and customer service.
Dang that sucks. I was scared that my Joann’s was going to close down because that is the only store I buy my crochet tuff from and it’s like pretty small so it would be understandable if it was closing but, I asked them and they said that they are pretty sure that that exact Joann’s (my local Joann’s) isn’t going to close down
No question about it, they closed the worst performers. To answer most any question, follow the money! I'd say this was just the most obvious cuts. I expect they will come out with another list one the dust settles and they analyze the data that they gleaned from these six.
Where to buy the fabric now? Well, guess some will think it's a comedown to go to thrift stores (fabric scrap bundles, fabric from used clothes, etc.) like the rest of us. I just went to Habitat for Humanity's Restore and found two big bins filled with bolts of fabric. Maybe the mom & pop locals will come back. Maybe we'll need to put out the word to friends, co-workers, family, and/or neighbors that we are willing to take their unused fabric. I do slow stitching and work with the fabric I find in these ways - I let the fabric determine what I do with it, rather than letting my fingers do the walking through the thousands of bolts at Joann's. Things are only going to get worse for women's craft work in 2025, you know, with being pregnant all the time.
I think Joann’s is having competition from online fabric stores as well. I sew garments mostly, but Joann’s doesn’t carry a variety of high end fabrics. They have plenty of cotton for quilting. I think their garment fabric selection is lacking variety and quality. I would have like to have seen a variety of high quality African prints throughout the year, high end woven and non-woven, etc. One of my resolutions is to order more fabrics online. First will be Mood Fabrics.
@@pearlinejones9693 I agree, Joann’s does not carry high quality fabrics for making linen suits, lined wool coats or fancy dress wear. I shop online several places but mostly at Mood. They do let you purchase swatches so you can see and feel the fabric at home.
This story is just sad. I’ve been sewing for 55 years and there has been a steady decline in sewing. Making your own clothes used to actually be economical. Now with the high price of fabrics and the ready availability of cheaply made garments that don’t last long,it’s too expensive for many to sew. I live in WI and have to drive 30-50 miles to shop at a Joann’s. Often my only options are to shop online but it’s not the same as feeling and eyeing the fabric in person.
Growing up, I frequented a fabric store where costume designers from all around the country came to buy fabric. The smell of fabric inspired me to sew and start a channel. So, it is very sad future generations won't get to experience the same thing.
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Your video actually prompted me to look up the Joann's I used to frequent, at 9960 Old Katy Road in Houston, TX. Gosh, I can't remember the last time I've been there; one or two years. They're still open but I fail to see how, as corporate has clearly abandoned that location, which can't be more than a decade old. This has a Sears flavor to me, where some corporate raider comes in, strips it for parts, makes themselves and the shareholders a boatload of cash, and then shut it down--but not before treating the employees and customers like trash.
I would love to have a sewing pattern cabinet or two. 💕💖
Interesting video, thanks for making it! It must have been a nightmare to work at that store. These exploitative corporate practices are awful for employees and customers alike.
Thanks for this.
The Holyoke MA location is closing as well. It's the one that's closest to my sister, and she's sad for the closing because she gets a lot of her crafting items there. But, it is/was a BAD store. The lighting is abysmal, and no cell service in it for some reason (which makes coupon utilization more difficulty). The handful of times I was up there visiting, they were super friendly had great customer service. It just looked and felt like a run down store location.
My sister will now have to go further to a Michael's in order to get her supplies... unless she wants to travel a few exits (and I think pay a toll) on the Mass Pike to get to another Joann's.... that IS much nicer.... but, she'll probably wind up at Michael's.
My Michaels doesn't have much in the way of fabric. Joann has a lot, Hobby Lobby has a fair selection, then Michaels. In the last year or so, my Joann has had a new roof, parking lot and exterior paint, so I doubt it's on the chopping block.
The toll is bad. Hopefully, some alternative craft store will come available in the future (fabric included).
@@QuiltMeetsWorld micharls does not carry fabric, at least not here in Florida
@charlottemajewski5992 my sister is a crafter, not a sewist. But, yes. There's a negative impact to people who want fabric.
For me Customer Service and atmosphere are what brings me in. I see such lovely Joann stores in you tube videos but the fabric section of my local store is so cramped you can't have 2 people with carts in the aisle and the bolts are wedged so tight its very difficult to get off the shelf, then cutting tables are under staffed. It is NOT an enjoyable shopping experience. On the other hand, if you're a crafter, those aisles are great, and my granddaughter loves shopping there. Lol, so one of us always leaves happy, and the other always leaves frustrated.
I thought that your observation about expensive notions was interesting. Agree with you! They mark stuff up so high that it is off putting. I miss Hancock Fabrics!
I miss Hancock too. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@Susietacoma I miss Hancock Fabrics, too. Joann does not have any brick and mortar competition in my area for garment fabrics. Competition makes stores better.
Excellent video and observations! I hope they don't close down entirely because I want a place to get patterns (on sale, of course!), thread, and fabric that I can see in person before buying, but almost all the stores seem to have problems, because the whole company is in trouble.
I for one am glad they're closing! Recent "hassle" & they ripped me off, kept me on hold forever & STILL failed to CORRECT & REFUND!!! Thank you for sharing! I'm VERY 😢😢😢😎🩷✌️🤘
They closed one here in Dallas, TX but never mentioned it.
Like nearly *ALL* large chain stores that have declared bankruptcy in the last 25+ years, Joanne's was bought by a private equity company. They exist to buy brands they can strip bare, load down with debt (which they extract as income for their own investors) and then have declare bankruptcy. From there they either quickly or slowly sell of the empty husk. In this case, they're selling off the least profitable stores first. The goal is to either empty and close all the stores or close all stores that are not fantastically profitable, and then sell just those as the chain brand.
Seems its happening with everything including water, land, and housing. This PE company grab has to stop somewhere so regular people can still live on earth.
Absolutely villainous, it shouldn't be allowed.
If Joann goes out of business, where will we buy our bargain sewing patterns? I like old school tissue paper patterns.
I don't think too many folks like PDF patterns because you either have to print them or send them off to a printer. As of late, I've been studying pattern drafting because there isn't much access to the once popular $1 pattern sales. :-(
Sounds like it was long overdue. Nobody wants to brave a blighted neighborhood just for craft supplies. Too bad they let it go so long that it affected morale and customer service.
Dang that sucks. I was scared that my Joann’s was going to close down because that is the only store I buy my crochet tuff from and it’s like pretty small so it would be understandable if it was closing but, I asked them and they said that they are pretty sure that that exact Joann’s (my local Joann’s) isn’t going to close down
No question about it, they closed the worst performers. To answer most any question, follow the money! I'd say this was just the most obvious cuts. I expect they will come out with another list one the dust settles and they analyze the data that they gleaned from these six.
Its just so unfortunate for crafters who don't have any other options for buying fabric in person.
Where to buy the fabric now? Well, guess some will think it's a comedown to go to thrift stores (fabric scrap bundles, fabric from used clothes, etc.) like the rest of us. I just went to Habitat for Humanity's Restore and found two big bins filled with bolts of fabric. Maybe the mom & pop locals will come back. Maybe we'll need to put out the word to friends, co-workers, family, and/or neighbors that we are willing to take their unused fabric. I do slow stitching and work with the fabric I find in these ways - I let the fabric determine what I do with it, rather than letting my fingers do the walking through the thousands of bolts at Joann's. Things are only going to get worse for women's craft work in 2025, you know, with being pregnant all the time.
I think Joann’s is having competition from online fabric stores as well. I sew garments mostly, but Joann’s doesn’t carry a variety of high end fabrics. They have plenty of cotton for quilting. I think their garment fabric selection is lacking variety and quality. I would have like to have seen a variety of high quality African prints throughout the year, high end woven and non-woven, etc. One of my resolutions is to order more fabrics online. First will be Mood Fabrics.
Agreed 100%. As a garment maker, Joann really has nothing to offer. .. Mood is good for certain projects. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@pearlinejones9693 I agree, Joann’s does not carry high quality fabrics for making linen suits, lined wool coats or fancy dress wear. I shop online several places but mostly at Mood. They do let you purchase swatches so you can see and feel the fabric at home.
This story is just sad. I’ve been sewing for 55 years and there has been a steady decline in sewing. Making your own clothes used to actually be economical. Now with the high price of fabrics and the ready availability of cheaply made garments that don’t last long,it’s too expensive for many to sew. I live in WI and have to drive 30-50 miles to shop at a Joann’s. Often my only options are to shop online but it’s not the same as feeling and eyeing the fabric in person.
Growing up, I frequented a fabric store where costume designers from all around the country came to buy fabric. The smell of fabric inspired me to sew and start a channel. So, it is very sad future generations won't get to experience the same thing.