There is a question about Joann's Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the USA. The Crochet Crowd has no direct contact with anyone at Joann Fabrics and Crafts. The stitch-alongs are worked through 3rd party; in this case, Yarnspirations handles all communications as a liaison, and we are only focused on the stitch-along to provide resources.
This level of bankruptcy isn't the end of Joann. Chapter 11 means the company is restructuring its assets with the end goal of pulling out of bankruptcy and continuing to operate. All is not lost, and you, as a consumer, have a helping hand.
For you and I, please continue to shop at Joann and support the local stores and online website for purchases. That's how you can make a difference. Joann has over 850 stores across the United States and a significant employee base, and you can choose where to shop. The local employees rely on you to continue shopping and supporting them.
What Is Different About the USA / Canada?
As a truck driver, I brought goods from Canada to the USA and back. There's a significant difference between Americans and Canadians in the retail sector. Both populations act very differently.
Americans, depending on where they live, have many more opportunities to shop at retailers than Canadians. During my short three-year stint of trucking, I was floored by all Americans' choices regarding food, entertainment, and shopping versus here at home.
Our population in Canada in March 2024 is just over 39 million people versus just over 341 million in the United States. We have only 11% of what the USA has for people.
I share this fact because Americans' opportunities and choices are significantly more numerous than we will ever see here in Canada. There are a significant number of companies that will not ship across the border for us here in Canada. I would encourage you to continue supporting Joann as much as possible. When the options to shop are limited, like those in Canada, you will feel, see, and be impacted by the difference. When the choice is gone, it's too late to reverse course.
Speaking for Daniel and I, we are used to the lack of choice, as it's been a lifetime for both of us. As outsiders to the USA, we see that Americans have so much choice that it makes us envious.
Many crocheters say they like to touch the yarn before purchasing it. If you let this store collapse, one less location in 850 places will lose the choice. When it's gone, you will see the difference we feel here in Canada with the lack of options. You may get used to it, but it won't be there for you when you want that choice.
So, in the meantime, let's continue to support Joann.
Denise Briese says
Thank you for putting the word out there. Mikey Joannes is my happy place. I go in there when I’m feeling sad and just walk around. I usually end up buying some thing I will continue to support and go to my local Joannes.
Shelli Miller says
Thank you for saying all of this, Mikey! I support the hell out of my Joann's. I also have a Michael's and a Hobby Lobby but my Joann's has my heart. I hope they don't close. Our Michael's doesn't have very much yarn and I can't shop at HL.
Phyllis Riddle says
Thank you for posting this. I work at a Joann store in the US. They company has communicated very little information to us. But, there may not be much to communicate yet. Please keep coming in & shopping. We are working hard to make Joann your "happy place."