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With Joann’s going bankrupt you may be looking for a new destination for craft supplies.
Joann Fabrics, a staple in the crafting community since 1943, has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time within a year, leading to the closure of approximately 500 of its 800 stores nationwide. (AP News) This development has left many crafters seeking alternative sources for their supplies, especially me, a crochet enthusiast. In this blog post, I will list alternative supplies store options for all my fiber artists, especially those in crochet.
Why is Joann’s Closing
Several factors have contributed to Joann’s financial difficulties:
- Decline in Consumer Demand: Post-pandemic, there has been a noticeable decrease in consumer spending on hobbies and crafts, impacting sales. AP News
- Inventory Challenges: The company faced significant inventory shortages, leading to constrained product availability and dissatisfied customers. AP News
- Financial Strain: Joann was burdened with substantial debt obligations, totaling over $615 million, which became unsustainable amidst declining sales. PYMNTS.com
This doesn’t mean Joann Fabrics is closing completely. For the time being, until more information is shared, Joanns will continue to have stores open. However, those like myself who live next to the stores selected to close might be worried about where they are going to find convenient supplies now.
Alternative Sources for Crochet Supplies
- Michaels: If you have been to Joanns then you have probably been to Michelas. While Micheals doesn’t have as large of a selection it does offer quite a bit of choices. They offer a wide range of yarns, hooks, patterns, and kits suitable for all skill levels. Their prices can be quite pricey but they are always running deals on yarn. They also offer a 20% off coupon on their website.
- Hobby Lobby: Hobby lobbies yarn brands aren’t as extensive as Micheal’s or Joanne’s but they do have a few good choices. They are also the most reasonably priced craft supplies store I have been to,
- Amazon: Amazon is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to buying yarn and craft supplies. It can be super convenient, but there are definitely some downsides that I will talk about later.
- Thrift Stores: Thrift stores can be a hidden gem for craft supplies like yarn, at very cheap and affordable prices.
Amazon For Supplies
Amazon is great for convenience and variety, but if quality, color precision, or supporting small businesses is important to you, you might prefer local craft stores or specialty online shops like WeCrochet or Lion Brand’s website.
Pros
Convenience & Fast Shipping:
- Prime delivery can get your yarn or supplies to your door in as little as a day or two, which is great when you need something quickly.
Wide Selection:
- You can find a huge variety of yarn brands, colors, and crafting tools in one place, including some international brands that might not be available locally.
Customer Reviews:
- You can read what others say about a particular yarn or product before you buy, which helps with quality assurance.
Cons
Inconsistent Quality Control:
- Yarn quality can vary, and you might not always get what you expect. Some listings feature lower-quality or knock-off products.
Difficult Color Matching:
- Colors can appear different online compared to in person. This can be especially frustrating if you need multiple skeins that match exactly.
No Hands-On Shopping Experience:
- You can’t feel the texture or gauge the quality before purchasing, which is a big deal for many crafters.
