The closures will see 61 stores shuttered in California, with San Diego County losing four locations: in Midway District, Oceanside, Poway, and San Marcos. This will reduce Joann's local footprint to just two remaining stores in El Cajon and National City. Other closures in Southern California include branches in Temecula, Hemet, Redlands, Riverside, Irvine, and Orange, with additional stores in Stockton, Sacramento, and Elk Grove also set to close.
This decision comes at a challenging time for Joann, which is based in Hudson, Ohio. The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time within a year last month, attributing the move to a mix of declining consumer demand and inventory issues. Joann had previously filed for bankruptcy in March 2024, emerging from it as a private company. Now, the company is in the process of restructuring, seeking to sell the business, with the closure of underperforming outlets deemed essential for this transition.
A statement from Joann to the Associated Press highlighted the difficulty of the decision, acknowledging the impact on staff, customers, and communities. The company emphasized that "right-sizing our store footprint" is crucial for moving forward in a sustainable manner.
Joann's history traces back to 1943 when it began with a single store in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the decades, it expanded significantly, rebranding from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores to simply "Joann" for its 75th anniversary. The chain grew to become a staple for crafting enthusiasts, offering a wide range of materials for sewing, knitting, and other DIY projects.
The retailer's recent struggles can be linked to broader economic trends. The initial surge in crafting and home projects during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic has since waned, leading to decreased discretionary spending on such hobbies. Additionally, Joann faces stiff competition from other craft stores like Hobby Lobby and even from larger retail chains such as Target, which have expanded their craft and DIY offerings.
The exact timeline for the store closures and the number of employees affected have not been detailed, but Joann has filed a motion seeking court approval to commence the closure process. The company has also set up a restructuring website to provide updates and information to customers.
As Joann navigates these significant changes, the crafting community in San Diego and beyond will need to adapt to the reduced availability of physical store locations, potentially turning more towards online shopping or seeking alternatives for their crafting needs.
For more information about Joann Fabrics & Crafts Stores, visit .
Originally published on February 12, 2025.
