Have You Heard? Joann Is Closing! 😱

By Nicki Byrnes

I am surprised and not surprised to hear that all Joann stores are closing. On one hand, the stores I’ve been to lately have been empty-shelved, low on staff, and had a lackluster vibe from whoever’s doing the merchandising and buying. But on the other hand, where are people buying their yarn these days?

We know crochet is still trending in fashion and as a hobby. The slow-living movement is all over TikTok. But we also know younger crafters (especially Gen Z and Millennials) tend to be more into unique, sustainable, or indie-made products than big box stores. So that means Michael’s might not be their first stop for yarn. They do shop on Amazon, but it is such a poor user experience for buying yarn.

Then there are local yarn shops (<3 you). LYS typically have a high quality selection of amazing yarns, knowledgeable staff, appealing merchandising, and a small footprint that makes it easy to shop. But with that aforementioned high quality can come higher prices. Totally justified and worth it, but not always a price point younger generations can spend.

That leaves me with two thoughts on where the masses are buying their yarn, and that is reuse/thrift stores and online shops. We have a great craft reuse store here in Cincinnati called Scrap it Up that has a little yarn corner, and it can be a treasure trove of low-priced yarn, hooks, and pattern books. I have a soft spot knowing a lot of it is donated after a crocheter has passed and is now going to a new crocheter. If you don’t have a reuse store near you, try your local thrift stores. It’s an affordable way to create and you’re using what’s already out there, just waiting for a new home (yours!).

As for online shops – please tell me, do you buy yarn online? There are so many awesome brands out there making bussing yarns, but I find it so hard to buy yarn without seeing it. I’d love to know if others feel the same, or if it’s one of those situations where you can’t go wrong and the convenience and wide variety wins.

In conclusion, I’m sorry to hear the news, Joann. You’ve been good to us. Maybe don’t read this Forbes article that people online don’t care. Enjoy retirement, and just know crafting is in good hands with future generations. I’m just not sure where we’re going to buy our yarn.