Big Changes Coming to JOANN Stores in South Carolina

News Summary

JOANN has announced the closure of five locations in South Carolina as part of a nationwide strategy to shut down around 500 stores. This move follows the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and aims to realign business operations. The affected stores are in Anderson, Spartanburg, Charleston, Columbia, and Florence. JOANN emphasizes ‘right-sizing’ to adapt to changing consumer behavior and economic pressures while ensuring employee support during this transition.

Big Changes Coming to JOANN Stores in South Carolina

South Carolina residents, brace yourselves for some big changes as JOANN, the beloved fabric and craft store, has announced plans to close five locations across the state. This news comes as part of a much larger strategy that sees the company shutting down around 500 stores nationwide. What’s behind this wave of closures? Let’s dive in!

Locations Affected

The JOANN stores set to close in South Carolina are located in Anderson, Spartanburg, Charleston, Columbia, and Florence. While fans of these stores may be feeling a little flustered, the company is focusing on what they call “right-sizing” their footprint, which, in simpler terms, means they’re adjusting their number of stores to better fit their business needs.

What’s Happening Nationwide?

The company’s decision to close stores isn’t just a South Carolinian issue; it’s part of a bigger plan after JOANN filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy—its second since March 2024—back in January 2025. That’s right, folks, they are navigating some serious financial waters, and these closures are aimed at maximizing the value of the business during this rough patch.

A Thoughtful Strategy

The choice of which stores to shutter wasn’t made lightly. JOANN took a long, hard look at how each store was performing and whether it fit into their long-term plans. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, though, as many retail chains are re-evaluating their strategies following a series of challenges brought on by pandemic-related changes and shifts in consumer behavior.

What’s Next for Employees and Customers?

If you’re a regular visitor to any of the affected JOANN stores, you might be wondering what this means for the employees and customers. Although the closures will have consequences, JOANN has assured everyone that their stores and website will continue to function as normal while adjustments are made. This includes team members still receiving their pay and benefits, which is comforting news for those who rely on their jobs in these local communities.

Community Impact

For many, JOANN stores are not just places to shop for sewing supplies or crafting materials; they are pillars of the community. Local events, crafting classes, and the chance to connect with other artistic minds keep these stores lively and engaging. With the announcement of these five closures, the impact on customers and the local communities is bound to be significant. Residents will likely miss not only the products but also the vibrant atmosphere that JOANN stores foster.

The Road Ahead for JOANN

This isn’t the end for JOANN, but rather a new chapter in its storied history of over 80 years in the retail craft industry. From its humble beginnings as a single store in Cleveland, Ohio, JOANN has grown into a go-to destination for crafters everywhere. As the company restructures, they remain hopeful about finding a sustainable path forward that works best for everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

As we face these changes, it’s always important to treasure the experiences and creativity that stores like JOANN nurture in our communities. Whether you’ve been to the store in Spartanburg or Florence, the memories you’ve made there are worth holding onto. Understandably, this news is bittersweet, but let’s continue to support our local craft stores, however we can. And who knows? With some time and adjustments, JOANN might emerge from this process stronger than ever!

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Additional Resources

• Good Housekeeping
• Upstate Business Journal
• WLOS
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail
• WFMY News 2