JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts: A Beloved Retailer Faces Closure in Wilmington
JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, a popular destination for crafters and sewing enthusiasts, is set to close its location in Wilmington as part of a broader corporate restructuring effort. The store, located at 352 S. College Road, Suite 24, in the University Center shopping complex, has long been a go-to spot for fabrics, sewing supplies, and art materials. Its closure follows a challenging period for the retailer, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time within a year. This move has led to the auction of its remaining assets and the shutdown of multiple locations nationwide, including several in Wisconsin.
The Wilmington store’s closure marks the latest in a series of departures from the University Center, joining other chains like Rue21, Gabe’s, and Bed Bath & Beyond, which have also exited the complex since 2023 due to financial struggles. Scott Carpenter, CEO of GA Group’s Retail Solutions and Wholesale & Industrial Solutions teams, noted that most JoAnn stores slated for closure will remain open until the end of May. Despite efforts by JoAnn’s leadership, board, and legal partners to find a more favorable outcome, the company was unable to avoid this step.
A Legacy of Crafting and Community
For over 80 years, JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts has been a trusted name in the retail industry, catering to crafters, sewists, and artists. The Wilmington location, in particular, has served as a hub for creative expression, offering a wide range of supplies that fueled countless projects and hobbies. From fabrics and sewing notions to paints, canvases, and crafting tools, the store was a one-stop shop for anyone looking to bring their ideas to life. Its closure is not just a loss for the shopping center but also for the community that relied on it for inspiration and resources.
JoAnn’s leadership has expressed gratitude to its loyal customers and dedicated employees, acknowledging their unwavering support over the decades. The company has emphasized its commitment to serving its customers during this transition, encouraging them to take advantage of liquidation sales as the store prepares to shut its doors for the final time.
The Broader Impact of Store Closures
The closure of JoAnn’s Wilmington location is part of a larger trend affecting the retail industry. In addition to the Wilmington store, 16 locations in Wisconsin are also set to close, including four in the Milwaukee area. This wave of closures underscores the ongoing challenges faced by specialty retailers, particularly those in the craft and hobby sector. As consumers increasingly turn to online shopping and big-box stores, many smaller and niche retailers have struggled to remain competitive.
The situation is not unique to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. Several major retailers, including Foot Locker, Tuesday Morning, and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, have announced store closures or filed for bankruptcy in recent years. Bed Bath & Beyond, once a mainstay in shopping malls, has closed all its physical locations and now operates solely online. The retail landscape is undergoing significant changes, with experts predicting that up to 45,000 brick-and-mortar stores could close across the U.S. in the next five years.
The Future of Retail: Who Will Thrive and Who Will Struggle?
While the closure of JoAnn’s Wilmington location and others like it paints a grim picture for specialty retailers, not all stores are destined for failure. Experts predict that certain types of retailers, such as big-box stores like Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot, are likely to thrive in the coming years. These chains have managed to adapt to changing consumer behavior by offering competitive pricing, convenient shopping experiences, and robust online platforms.
On the other hand, smaller, niche retailers and those that have been slow to adapt to the digital age are likely to face continued challenges. The craft and hobby sector, in particular, has been hit hard, as many consumers turn to online marketplaces for supplies. For JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, the hope is that its loyal customer base will continue to support the brand, even as it transitions to a smaller footprint or potentially an online-only model.
A Final Farewell to a Crafting Icon
As JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts prepares to close its doors in Wilmington and other locations, the community is left to reflect on the impact the store has had over the years. For many, JoAnn’s was more than just a place to buy supplies—it was a creative haven, a source of inspiration, and a gathering spot for like-minded individuals. While the closure marks the end of an era, the memories and projects made possible by JoAnn’s willendiure.
For now, customers are encouraged to visit the store one last time to take advantage of liquidation sales and bid farewell to a beloved institution. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what the future holds for JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, but for now, the focus is on celebrating a legacy of creativity and community.