Twin City crafters will soon have fewer places to shop. The major retail craft and sewing supply chain Joann, previously known at Jo-Ann Fabrics, is closing all its 800 stores, including the Bloomington location on Empire Street.
The 80-year-old craft supplier based out of Ohio filed bankruptcy a year ago and spared Bloomington in a recent planned reorganization. A buyer has since decided to phase out the struggling craft supplier.
A pandemic serge of DIYers temporarily boosted Joann, which has steadily declined amid competition from online suppliers and other brick-and-mortar retailers like Hobby Lobby and Michael's.
The company said liquidation sales begin immediately.
