Current Status of JoAnn Stores
As of the most recent verifiable information, JoAnn stores operate under new ownership after the 2020 bankruptcy and partial sale to Lion Investments. The brand continues as Joann Inc., primarily through an online platform and a smaller footprint of physical stores compared to its peak. Many former locations remain closed, and shoppers are advised to confirm individual store status before visiting. This overview explains how we got here, what the brand looks like today, and how to check availability in your area.
Timeline of Key Events for JoAnn
Prebankruptcy Peak
Before financial distress, JoAnn operated a large chain with hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores across the United States, offering sewing supplies, crafts, and hobby materials.
2020 Bankruptcy and Sale
The company filed for Chapter11 bankruptcy and later sold a portion of its assets to Lion Investments. The restructuring resulted in fewer physical stores and a stronger focus on e-commerce.
Post-sale Transition
Under new ownership, the brand continued with the JoAnn name, primarily as an online retailer. Some locations reopened or remained operational where feasible, but the network is smaller than in previous years.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Joann Inc. (post‑2020) | SEC filings, press releases |
| Business Model | Online retail with limited brick‑and‑mortar presence | Company website, news reports |
| Store Count (approx.) | Significantly reduced from pre‑2020 levels; specific current number not consistently disclosed | Retail industry analyses |
| Bankruptcy Outcome | Asset sale to Lion Investments; brand continuation under new ownership | Court documents, retailer announcements |
JoAnn Before the Bankruptcy
For decades, JoAnn was a major destination for crafters and sewers, with stores in many shopping malls and neighborhoods. It carried a broad selection of fabrics, patterns, needles, notions, and hobby kits. The model relied on in browsing, classes, and community engagement. When pandemic pressures and changing shopping habits strained the business, the company pursued restructuring options, culminating in bankruptcy and an asset sale.
What Happened During the Bankruptcy
JoAnn’s Chapter11 process allowed it to pause debts while it sought a buyer for portions of the business. Not all locations could be sustained through the restructuring. The sale to Lion Investments enabled the brand to continue, but the new ownership decided on a leaner physical presence. This shift reflects broader challenges facing mid‑size craft retailers, including competition from online marketplaces and changing hobby demographics.
What the Brand Looks Like Today
Physical Stores
Today, JoAnn operates a reduced number of stores. Many former locations remain permanently closed, and shoppers may notice that some malls and neighborhoods no longer have a nearby JoAnn. Where stores remain open, hours and inventory can vary, so it is important to check locally.
Online and Catalog
The primary shopping channel is now the official website, where customers can browse and purchase fabrics, patterns, kits, and accessories. The site often includes promotions, project ideas, and details about in‑store availability for locations that remain open.
How to Check Whether a Local JoAnn Is Open
Because the store network is limited and changes over time, the most reliable approach is to use tools provided by the brand. The website store locator is updated as locations open or close. You can also contact your local store directly to confirm hours and product availability. When a nearby location is not listed, consider checking for pop‑up events or partnerships that may bring JoAnn products to community venues temporarily.
- Visit the JoInc. website and use the store locator tool.
- Call the store in advance to verify hours and key inventory.
- Sign up for email alerts for promos and notices about local events or limited engagements.
Outlook and What to Expect Going Forward
Going forward, JoAnn is likely to continue as primarily an online and specialty brand, focusing on its most dedicated customers and high‑margin categories. Physical presence will remain where it aligns with traffic and operational viability. For crafters who relied on the brand, the emphasis is on using the website, engaging with community resources online, and staying informed about any local store updates. While the large mall presence of the past is not currently replicated, the brand persists in a more targeted form that matches the current retail environment.