Best Places to Buy Craft Supplies in Ohio After Joann Fabrics Closes
Joann Fabrics, a beloved cornerstone for crafters and sewing fans across the United States, is closing its remaining stores by May 2025.
This marks the end of an era for the Hudson, Ohio-based retailer, which once had over 800 locations nationwide.
With Joann Fabrics shutting its doors, many are left wondering where to turn for their crafting and sewing needs.
Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives for Ohio residents—from big chains like Michaels and Hobby Lobby to cozy local shops.
Let’s take a closer look at Joann Fabrics’ closure, explore options for crafters, and see what’s next for some former Joann locations.
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The End of an Era: Joann Fabrics Closes Its Doors
Joann Fabrics, a familiar name in the crafting community, announced it will close all its stores in May 2025.
This decision comes after a rough stretch for the retailer, including two bankruptcies within a year and its acquisition by GA Joann Retail Partnership.
Joann began its going-out-of-business sales in February, and by April, over 250 stores had already closed.
Financial Struggles and Acquisition
Joann Fabrics’ financial troubles have been no secret.
The company filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 and again in January 2025.
Even after trying to secure new financing and cut down debt, Joann couldn’t find a way forward.
GA Joann Retail Partnership, a team effort between GA Group and Joann’s term lenders, acquired the company and decided to close all stores.
Alternative Crafting and Sewing Supplies
With Joann Fabrics leaving, crafters are on the hunt for new places to get their supplies.
Ohio actually has a great mix of options, from national chains to hidden local gems.
Here are some of the best alternatives for sewing and craft supplies in Ohio.
Michaels
Michaels is a big name in the crafting world, offering a huge selection of fabrics and supplies in-store and online.
With 47 stores in Ohio—seven in Cincinnati and three in Columbus—Michaels is a pretty convenient choice for a lot of folks.
The retailer carries over 10,000 unique fabrics, plus supplies for sewing, quilting, and needlework.
Hobby Lobby
Hobby Lobby is another popular spot, with a large selection of fabrics and crafting supplies.
They’ve got 44 stores in Ohio, including three each in Columbus and Cincinnati.
Hobby Lobby’s big inventory and pretty competitive prices make it a solid pick for former Joann customers.
Local Fabric Stores
If you prefer to support local businesses, Ohio has a ton of independent fabric stores worth checking out.
Yelp has rounded up some highly-rated fabric stores in the Akron, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Here are a few that stand out:
Akron Area
- Fabric & Freight Mart, 160 2nd St. NW, Barberton
- Sew Deja Vu, 1608 Norton Road, Stow
- Western Reserve Decorator Fabrics, 137 East Ave., Tallmadge
- Ohio Star Quilts, 2383 South Main St., Akron
- The Designing Woman, 137 Ghent Road, Fairlawn
Columbus Area
- Sew to Speak, 752 High St., Worthington
- Fabric Farms Interiors, 3700 Parkway Lane, Hilliard
- The Laughing Ewe, 360 W. Waterloo St., Canal Winchester
- Calico Cupboard, 7216 Hazelton Etna Road SW, Pataskala
- Red Rooster Quilts, 48 Corbins Mill Drive, Dublin
Cincinnati Area
- HomeGrown HomeSewn, 5761 Springdale Road, Cincinnati
- Silk Road Textiles, 6106 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati
- Around the Corner Fabrics, 3 W. Southern Ave., Covington, Kentucky
- Seams Sew Easy, 2326 Mack Road, Fairfield
- Walker Fabrics, 6106 Crestwood Station, Crestwood, Kentucky
The Future of Former Joann Locations
Some Joann Fabrics locations won’t stay empty for long.
Department store chain Burlington is taking over leases for 45 former Joann stores, including two in Ohio.
These new Burlington stores will open at:
- Columbus: 4600 W Broad Street
- Youngstown: 441 Boardman Poland Road
Other Retailers Facing Challenges
Joann Fabrics isn’t the only retailer struggling in 2025.
Several national chains have also filed for bankruptcy and are closing stores. These include:
- Big Lots: Closing 600-plus stores nationwide, with about 200 set to reopen under new ownership
- JCPenney: Closing a handful of stores in eight states
- Macy’s: Plans to close 150 stores by 2026, with 66 locations already named
- Kohl’s: Closing 27 “underperforming” stores
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Joann Fabrics recently closed, and now the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Akron is warning customers about fake websites. Joann stopped selling items online in March.
If you see any online sales claiming to be from Joann, it’s a scam. The BBB shared this warning in an April 24 news release.
Double-check websites before you buy anything. It’s way too easy to get tricked these days.
If you’re part of the crafting community, you’re probably looking for new places to get supplies. Stay alert for scams while you search.
Want more details on the closure or a list of alternative stores? Check out the Beacon Journal.
