That is the truth! And they bring in merch from other stores.

True! I stopped in at Bed, Bath, and Beyond and wasn't at all impressed by any of the sale prices. I guess I should have figured this would be similar.

A lot of people have talked about items being shuffled between stores and it just sounds like so much work to make a few extra bucks! It must be worth it though...

Same at Tuesday Morning. In fact I wanted to purchase napkins in a basket next to the check out. She said those could not be purchased since they were changing the prices. They were raising them so they could apply a percent off to them afterwards. Raising them first. 🙄😡

Pier 1 was the same. Bed, Bath & Beyond extremely disappointing. Not worth it

You are definitely NOT alone! I’ll lose steam on a project and step away just to “take a break” but then start something more fun and never come back 😬

Me😢.

nope! I have a whole spare bedroom full of UFOz and good intentions and I am getting ready to move to a smaller place, which means some rough decisions ahead. Do I need dishes, or..........fabric???????????

Someone else commented that they’re an accountant and they can’t understand the receipts either 😂 total validation for us all!

Thank you for your insight Sandy! Hopefully a restructure will help the company revamp and the company will be able to rebound well in the future. People still want to craft and JoAnn’s is the best big box store for anything crafty in my opinion. It has the widest selection compared to Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.

@@ErinSews they filed for Chapter 11 today so I guess we just wait and see. There’s an article out about it if you haven’t seen it yet.

I just saw that! I haven't read much either, but I did see in the highlights that they're keeping the CFO and added a turnaround expert type person to the board

Well if they had not been so stupid during The Covid19, while Walmart had hundreds of People shopping down the road, Joanns would only let 10 people in at A time, plus the price was twice as High! I gave up and went to A Walmart that still had Fabric!

I read that they are cutting workers. Not enough workers ( in my opinion) is the biggest problem. I’m a former employee and we just couldn’t keep up. The customers suffer the store suffers and the employees get so discouraged. The pay isn’t great either. It’s really a shame because this good be a great store. I don’t know if the top executives were making so much money it left no hours for the store to have enough employees. Take Chick fil a, always so many employees working and they will have cars lined up in the street. Manager being included with the total hours I think is another problem. Pay management. The other employees should be on another system. I guess they think managers can work on the floor but other than helping occasionally on the registers they have enough to do. I just hate the store got to this point. Hope they can regroup and more staff and good managers. Managers can divide employees, I had one that was hired off the street and told everyone she was planning on firing everyone and replace with people she knew. She ran off a lot of good employees. 😢

They did the same thing with my local store.

Wow interesting! I haven't heard any rumors about a new store opening, but Hobby Lobby recently moved from the same shopping center to a nicer, newer area, so maybe JoAnn's is looking to do the same?! You're right about the "sales." The same items are probably online for much less as a doorbuster....

That’s awesome! I’m very new to knitting but that sounds like a yarn I need to try out. I love that it supports US farmers and mill workers. I really hope the company can rally because it makes all kinds of crafting so accessible to people, including kids!

A lot of people have referenced Hancock going out of business. The pattern sales are such a loss!

The pricing of their fabric is really high for the quality (or lack of in a lot of cases). For the most part, I buy from the clearance section because I just have to wait for it to land there and then it’s such a better deal.

I've heard that about so many stores over the years! It seems like none of them have enough staff or funding for anything. My mom's is one of the highest grossing in the company and has had the same leaky ceiling and flashing light bulbs for years. I feel so bad for the employees also.

Mine too!

Oh true! I might be stopping by again before they close because a lot of people have said the notions will get down to really good prices. A lot of Pellon would be nice to have

It does seem like the writing has been on the wall… Someone else commented that JoAnn’s is just filing to restructure, so hopefully that gives the company an opportunity to consolidate and then come back stronger. I do think they offer the widest variety of crafting supplies out of any other large retailer, so I’d hate to totally lose the company.

I’ve found a few craft specific second hand stores and they have some great stuff. None are near me (unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for my wallet) but you’re totally right that thrift stores are treasure troves

That’s crazy! How is there anything left in the store 😳

It is definitely sad, and such a loss for our community! Some people in the comments have said that their JoAnn’s closed, just to reopen in a new location later, so I’m hopeful that will happen here.

You’re definitely not alone in having more patterns/fabric/supplies than you can reasonably use! It sounds like you have so many projects that will be fun and satisfying to make up. I’m excited to get to some of the things that have just been staring at me, waiting to be made. 🤗

It really is SO sad. When I decided to start knitting and cross stitching earlier this year, it was so nice to be able to just walk into JoAnn and get all of the basics I needed to get started when creativity struck. Walmart and Hobby Lobby near me carry limited stock of zips and other notions...but nowhere near what JoAnn has. I'm trying to keep myself from hoarding ALL of the notions "just in case" 🫣

They're not closing, just restructuring.

That seems like such a waste! I’m sure a lot of employees and other people would love to have it, without having to jump into the dumpster.

@@ErinSews well, you can bet we dumpster dived after closing the store at night, more than once. Lol

Hey Michelle! Thank you! I resisted the urge to go hog wild since the deals weren't anything amazing, but the gauze had the *perfect* amount on the bolt so I took it as a sign! I'm trying to see the positives, and I KNOW it'll be good for my wallet tbh 😂 You're so kind!! I might have to take you up on that offer at some point. side note: does it make you feel better to know that I married into being an Avs fan? I was very pregnant with Brady when they won the cup, so we figure she was the good luck charm lol

I love that you pick a state and find a shop to order from! That’s such a fun way to find new places.

Wow that’s quite the sales pitch! I don’t know if it’ll happen this summer, but I’m definitely being sold on the idea of making my own.

Yes! I’m glad you left them for me. More Disney is never a bad idea, and it’ll be good to have it on hand for future trips to Disney since it’ll probably be harder to pick up after our JoAnn’s is gone 😩

The money must be worth it to pay to send things to other stores when it’ll probably end up being sold for even less during a doorbuster weekend or something. It probably does make closing easier when there’s less inventory to worry about.

The clearance and remnants get me all of the time, so it will be good for my to-do list and my wallet. I'll miss the variety of notions and easily accessible bits for sure though.

I don't even think it'll be worth trying to find something specific there since it's so picked over unfortunately (it isn't super close to me). You're definitely right that it's not worth buying stuff just because it's on "sale." That's how they get you!

Yeah, the sale prices can be good, especially in the clearance section! I would really have to be in a bind to buy something full price there. Hopefully your store will stick around! Multiple people have said that they're restructuring, not totally closing the company, which is promising to me!

My husband would tell you that I have more fabric. I am just addicted to buying it. I used to always buy 6 yards of a fabric at a time. Then since 5 yrs ago with money tight I have gone down to 3 yards. Some 1 yards to use in quilts. I am 77 now and am not doing my sewing alternating and embroidery business. I just want to do quilts and enjoy my time left. If I die with a lot of fabric left, there will be someone out there whom wants it bad. I started sewing when I was 8. It has been my life even when I worked. I do like to fell of the fabric before I buy it. But I do like buying online too. For the first time in my life I bought 4 fat quarter’s because they didn’t have it on the bolt. I have yet to see or find a jelly roll I would buy. But maybe later. Enjoy life.

Oh Wow! $4 a bolt is a STEAL. I'd have trouble resisting that. Especially quilting fabric. I've tested the theory that you can like any pattern as long as you cut it small enough (1" pieces 😭) so I'd buy just about anything at that price. My Mom has a huge quilting fabric stash and sends more home with me every time I visit! I'm not mad about it though...

Wow it sounds like you've made some amazing things in your time sewing. I can't imagine the skill and knowledge you have Brenda 😊 My Mom also loves to buy, so I came by the habit honestly. As so many people say, it's a different hobby! I hope you enjoy playing with your fat quarters (whether that's sewing them up, or just looking at them together and admiring the fabric).

Yes! They all seemed pretty content with the situation. I have no idea if they were given any sort of severance package (I assume not...) but I hope they were at least given enough warning to start job searching.

We have some very lovely ladies I have known for many years. It’s unfortunate they couldn’t just get new owners. I will miss them

Christine, I’m so sorry about the closing of your shop! I definitely feel for the staff and the ones I talked to were set up for once the store closes. I think the frustrating thing with these liquidation sales from large companies is that the prices are higher than they normally are, and it’s annoying as a consumer to feel like they’re marking things up to trick us into spending more. If I drove to a Joann’s an hour away, I’d be able to get the same patterns for $1.99. If you can sell them at another store for that price, they should be the same price at the one where you’re trying to clear stock. I might not have expressed it enough in the video, but I am REALLY bummed for our community and the loss of this store. I was trying to also highlight the fact that for me, personally, it will push me to shop at (and support) stores I haven’t in my local area and online. I’d love to support more small businesses, but I’ve been negligent in doing so because it’s so easy to just go to Joann’s. I definitely feel for the staff and the crafters in my community!

Thanks Diann! Hopefully yours stays open and the company stays afloat! It’s nice to have one near even if you don’t go there often. It’s comforting to know things can be grabbed easily 😂

It sounds like I will be going back if I have a chance! Hopefully the patterns will be down to $1.99! They must all use different liquidators that set different rules for the discounts and such. There's a lot of active and retired military here, so they may have decided to keep the discount for that reason?

Yes! The sales “up to” X% are very misleading. I was disappointed that most of the store was only 20% off.

Thank you! And yes, so sad. Hopefully the restructuring will give them a chance to come back stronger

I believe they’re keeping stores open. Mine was already scheduled to close and the liquidation sale just happened to coincide with all of the news about the company nationally. I hope this filing will give the company a chance to rebound! It’s a loss for our community definitely.

Wow it’s fascinating that they haven’t gotten any official word to pass on to customers

Not all are closing just a select few I’m guessing ones that are not making much only because the ones here where I live are not closing

The pattern sales will be the biggest loss, plus just the comfort of knowing most notions are easy to grab if I need them. I have Smiles rewards to use too! I guess I’m using them online now lol. The shipping can get you though

@@ErinSews Agree!

I LOVE that you bring an empty suitcase! It sounds like you have some very fun trips home for multiple reasons lol. A girls’ trip to Mood would be so fabulous! Definitely do that!

Thank you! My video later today includes a celebration giveaway. It’s crazy to me that I hit 1K!

Those are some very specific scenarios Lynn 😂 I'm glad to hear the double gauze is easy to work with! Adam's promotion is in June so I know I need natural, VERY breathable fibers. Yes, yes I am thinking more jeans. I want to try out the Morgan Jeans! I've seen the catalogue actually! Linda, who is the seamstress friend who lives here in MS, brought it to the library when we met up last time. I felt like a kid with a Sear catalogue! I'm off to browse Milly Mae now *don't buy more, don't buy more, don't buy...oh that's cute!*

@@ErinSews Yes, I didn't check the number of snaps I needed OR how many were in the package I got 😆😆 I wanted to say, I somehow ended up with 2 Morgan patterns, one of which is still unused. You are welcome to it! They are button fly, and the instructions give some nice fitting tips. BTW, I would not hold up a project over thread. One of my favorite things in the world is emptying a spool of thread, 😜and I will just make do and aspire to that.

That’s a crazy mark up! I think they mark things up a lot because there’s always some sort of sale but it leads to some of the prices being way too high

The shipping is definitely high! I know shipping on a lot of sites is expensive now but it’s not worth it to me in most cases for what I’m buying from JoAnn

I only found out about mine via word of mouth. Someone else mentioned in a comment that they called theirs after the chapter 11 filing was announced but the employee they spoke to didn’t even know about that, let alone plans to close. It does sound to me like most stores will be staying open. Mine was already slated to close, so it’s unrelated to the chapter 11 shenanigans.

I’m not sure what you mean by a scam? The closing of my store was planned well in advance of the filing (it was official in January but the rumors were swirling for a while).

A few people have commented that ones in Ohio seem fine. It’s crazy that they’re building a new super store!! Maybe since it’s an Ohio company they’re just consolidating into bigger stores more locally?

I'm sorry to say that's exactly how my JoAnn's was before they announced the closure. My Mom's JoAnn's is apparently one of the highest grossing in the company and they've had the same drippy ceiling and flashing lights for at least two years because they can't get money from corporate to fix the issues. The whole company needs an overhaul and can hopefully be saved.... You're right about Hobby Lobby. I find some of their notions to be lower quality, and most of the store is seasonal decor at this point.

@@ErinSewsThat’s how the JAFs are here in upstate NY: leaky roofs, moldy smelling in summer, dirty, unkempt stores and lots of empty shelves. Oh, yeah, and prices too high for the merchandise! But I’ll still miss them if they go out. I like the pattern sales and when they hv a good cpn (providing the item isn’t already “on sale”) that’s when I try to grab the things I need.

@@ErinSewsOh yeah, and flashing lights! 😂

You have no idea how much better that makes me feel 😂

When a customer can't comprehend what should be a simple readable recipe, and JoAnns is guilty of that; then I think they have it so there is no discount.

I am really sad to see it go! It's a big loss for the sewists and crafters in our community, but at least we still have stores *relatively* close. It'll be better for my wallet if I have to put more effort in to get there...😬

Congratulations on the table, but I’m sorry it was such a terrible experience! It’s so frustrating that they’re kind of underhanded about the deals and don’t actually offer good sales to people that care about the products. The consensus in the comments is definitely that “sales” like this just aren’t worth it, even in the final days.

Hopefully the reorganization leads to them coming back stronger! I hope we can get a Joann’s back in my community at some point.

Yeah I wish they would at least honor the nation wide sale prices! It’s crazy to go into a liquidating store and see such high prices, when one down the road has the same things for so much less. I stopped into my store last week to see what the deals had come down to, and they still weren’t much better almost a month into liquidation.

Yes the fabric is definitely cheap, especially the lower end quilting cottons. They’re fine for a simple project that won’t get washed much, but can be a real pain to work with.

Do you have a stash of commonly used sizes, or do you adapt patterns to use what you have? I'm BRAND new to bag making so I have no idea what would be good to pick up, I just really wanted the magnetic closures lol

@@ErinSews I have an assortment of sizes , I went through my bag pattern books and made lists to what hardware was commonly used. Do you want me to come up with a list of what I normally use?

That would be amazing if you don’t mind sharing it! That way I have a good reference of what to buy if I find good deals but don’t have a specific pattern in mind. You can comment it here or send it to contacterinsews@gmail.com Thank you Brenda!

@@ErinSews Sorry it took so long but here's the list of what I keep on hand: D Rings, assorted sizes 3/8" to 1 1/2" O Rings, assorted sizes 5/8" to 1 1/2" Square rings, assorted sizes 5/8" to 1/2" Rectangle rings, assorted sizes 3/4" to 1 1/4" Eyelets Grommets Snap buttons Swivel Clasps on D Ring AKA Swivel Hook Clip 1" Buttons, assorted Twist turn locks Magnetic snaps Slide buckles 1" Rivets When I was selecting the patterns I wanted to make, I made a list of hardware that I would need. These are the most common pieces of hardware.

Thank you! I saw your reply pop up in my email when you posted it, but I totally lost track of it. I now have the list safely saved in my notes app. I really really appreciate you taking the time to put it together!! Do you have a table top press for the rivets/grommets/snaps? That't the next *big thing* I'm looking at investing in.

It’s just sitting there staring at me, yet I keep buying more 🫣

Hmmm weird. It’s always felt to me like the stores *mostly* offer cotton, but you’re right. I’ve noticed a lot more flannel and fleece over the past 6 months or so. I guess I chalked it up to the winter season but it might be a shift in what stock they want to carry?

Yes, I would say it's potentially the biggest nationwide craft store, and definitely has the largest selection of fabric. I overheard the manager telling a customer that a lot of the shelving and display units would be going to other stores, so you must be right about the best products going elsewhere.

Wow I didn't realize that! So Brother machines would go back to Brother? That makes a lot of sense but seems like kind of a pain logistically.

My area is the same! There’s nowhere except hobby lobby now with ANY apparel fabric, and HL has such a limited selection. I’m surprised Jacksonville doesn’t have any, but they’re definitely going to the wayside unfortunately.

I think that's a pretty common opinion, especially as people get better at their craft (sewing or otherwise) and want higher quality materials. It is sad to see it go because it does make a lot of crafts very accessible to people who are just starting out. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to the impending downfall of the company. 😬

I guess I always envisioned liquidation as a more simple process than it actually is. It sounds like there’s so much more to it than I realized!

Wow it’s sad to hear that a newly remodeled store is such a disappointment!

They’re trying to keep most of them open I believe, and that gives me hope for the company! I hate the liquidation tactics. It seems so much more convoluted than it really needs to be, just to make a few more bucks.

I think the quality is lacking in the their fabric, BUT the selection is much better than any other store in my area has. Plus the notions are just way more plentiful than anywhere else.

Purely word of mouth. I have a local friend that texted me back in January that the closing was official, and then she also let me know about the start of the sale when she found out. I heard that it was official! It does seem like it's a restructuring, not a total closure of the company, so that's promising! Sorry you couldn't understand some of what I was saying! I mostly talked about the big 4 patterns in the video.

You were saying New Look....I just dont know them.

Oh! It’s another one of the Big 4 brands. They’re usually on a separate rack at Joann’s, not in the filing cabinets.

Oh, how I miss Hancock’s! JoAnn’s never made me feel as welcome or were as helpful than Hancock’s.

I’m in Ocean Springs also! The store in this video is the Biloxi store. Shoot me an email at contacterinsews@gmail.com if you’d ever like to meet up! There’s a monthly fiber arts meeting at the OS library that I’ve been going to with a subscriber-turned-friend. We won’t be able to make the March meeting, but it would be fun for us all to get together at some point! I’m also new to the area.

Yes, definitely. I'm wondering if they'll come back online only like Bed, Bath & Beyond did, but that really wouldn't be the same. We crafters need to be able to impulsively pick things up!

They havent filed yet. This is only a Chapter 11 which is a restructure.

They’re not closing all of their stores! Mine just happened to be scheduled to close and the chapter 11 announcement coincided with it closing. Crazy timing! I think they’re trying to keep as many places open as possible though.

It’s a blueprint of the Friends apartments actually! My sister gave it to me as a gift years ago but I’m guessing you could find something custom made for your home like it on Etsy

@@ErinSews omg that is amazing and exactly what I will get for my cousin for Christmas!’

The sales are the biggest loss! Plus just the convenience. I saw that they’re upping the price of the sales to $2.99. I think that was a long time coming. The color matching scares me! Plus not being able to handle the fabric. I know some websites sell matching ribbing and things like that, but it’s not always very affordable, or it’s not what you need for that project.

They’re upping the price of what to $2.99?

@@susanmei9980the pattern sales. Sew lovely with Grace posted about it on her community tab. The weekend sales will be $2.99 now instead of $1.99

There’s definitely a lot of polyester and there are so few options in the smaller stores.

Oh my goodness you have the pick of the litter in terms of Joann’s! That’s amazing. It sounds like the stores in Ohio are doing just fine. Someone even said they’re building a new superstore in their area! Hopefully that means the company will rally and come back stronger.

The pattern sales are such a loss!

I do think keeping up with 7,000 Knick knacks for every holiday has to be hard on a business. As soon as they get everything on the shelf, it seems like it’s 60% off.

I hope yours stays! I'd love to see a resurgence from the company at some point. It makes a lot of crafts very accessible to people, and creative outlets are so important.

It would be included but they were very wiped out of any solids when I went. Based on some other comments, I’m guessing they pulled things like that and took them to other stores unfortunately

@@ErinSewsI can totally see that happening with any business.

That’s so frustrating!

Quite a few people have mentioned that a lot of merchandise will get pulled before the sales start, and that definitely explains the bare shelves!

Ah yes, that's probably true! Some customers in the store were asking about display racks and the like, and the manager told them that some might be sold, but most will go to other stores. It makes sense that the "good stock" is also going somewhere that it can be sold for more. Thank you for watching!

That’s good to hear! It seems like the ones in Ohio are doing fine, based on some other comments.

It’s so sad! I got rid of my Amazon Prime membership a few years back but it’s just so pervasive now; there are some things that seem impossible to find anywhere but Amazon.

It definitely felt that way, and a lot of people have commented that it’s common for that to happen in liquidations.

In a weird coincidence of timing, my store was scheduled to close prior to all of the Chapter 11 news. You’re totally right that they’re planning on keeping stores open

Hi Diane! I also have mixed feelings. I love that it’s a great entry-level store for all kinds of crafts, and the hands-on aspect is unbeatable in a lot of communities. It seems to be the only place to touch apparel fabric for a lot of people. I’m nervous about ordering online as I’ve only dabbled in it, and dread getting something that isn’t at all what I wanted or needed. I still have a few places that sell basic notions so hopefully emergency thread trips are still possible, but the selection isn’t nearly as extensive. I want beautiful boutique style fabric stores, and big box stores that let me try things cheaply. I want it all! Haha

I, too, want it all! And right in my neighborhood, too!@@ErinSews

That’s such a bummer! What are your favorite online stores?

@@ErinSews haven't found one yet

This store is in Biloxi, MS.

It sounds to me like a lot is up in the air but they’re planning/trying to keep as many stores open as possible.

Nice! I’m down on the gulf coast. We love it here!

Wow that’s crazy. I definitely didn’t expect that they’d bring more stuff to the shelves but I might have to go back and check

You're not wrong! She's finally wearing some clothes now that I made last summer, and it was so nice to have them ready to go when she was finally big enough

This is the Biloxi, MS store

I totally agree about Hobby Lobby! Most of the store is seasonal decor at this point. Some other people have commented the same thing so it's not just us noticing that. I also have Michaels for other crafting things, but it's also a ton of home decor, and feels a little overpriced.

@@ErinSews thank you! I have been to Michael’s like five times fairly recently because I do not have one close to me. It’s an hour away and I have left the store with nothing because they are so over priced.

It’s a bummer to make such a trip and get nothing! They used to always have a coupon for 40% off one item, but I think they did away with that a few years ago.

It seems like there just isn’t anywhere great to gets apparel fabric in person anymore!

Unfortunately it is the Biloxi store 🫤

@@ErinSews oh no!

I know! They had previously told. me they'd close in April, and when I was there on Sunday they said the 21st is the tentative date, so I assumed April 21st. There won't be anything left in the place by then though...@@ccreel64

@@ErinSews thank you! I’m going tomorrow to see if I can score a cutting table.

I used to work at Hancock Fabrics and worked there when the store closed down. I saw the same signs with JoAnn as I saw at Hancock so the closing doesn’t surprise me, just saddens me.

True! My store was scheduled to close prior to the chapter 11 filing and in a coincidence of weird timing, I went to the liquidation sale just a few days before they filed. Hopefully the company will come back stronger and we can get one back in my community 🤞🏻

I'm picking up what you're putting down! I need more experience with buying online (especially fabric) but I'll definitely be putting out those videos as I buy things. I placed my first online order in Nov with Fabric Mart Fabrics and did a video about that one (spoiler alert- I had to contact customer service): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qaikbMiXyLnWiI0.htmlsi=urynRdNkpwwxk3Zb

Thank you!

My store’s closing was planned prior to the bankruptcy announcement, but I’m hoping that the reorganization will allow them to reopen stores!

Just for fun! I was in the Air Force for 6 years and gave birth shortly after I got out, so I finally realized back in January that I can do whatever I want with my hair now! My coworker (the toddler) LOVES it 🤗

@@ErinSews 😊

I’m not sure if you watched the whole video, but *my* store *is* closing. It was scheduled to close before the chapter 11 filing. This video was posted prior to that announcement, actually. I also added an update in the description box to clarify the situation. I did get my information correct before posting, but you probably do have to watch the whole video to know that, so I’m assuming you didn’t. It’s easy to comment accusing someone else of not having a full understanding, when you also don’t.

I need to cry.

It is incredibly sad and a very big loss for our community. Plus, it really does put into stark reality the future of the company. JoAnn makes crafting accessible and it's going to be really sad if/when the stores are totally gone.