Farewell Joann

In January, Joann Fabrics and Crafts filed for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year. Initially, it seemed like only some stores would be closed. I checked the list, and mine was not on it. I heaved a sigh of relief. 

Over the years, I've spent a lot of time and money in that store. I'm kind of attached.

Sadly, the relief was short lived. The next press release announced that all Joann stores would be closing permanently. 

Even though I don't really need anything, I have been meaning to stop by my store one more time, to shop the deals and say goodbye. This morning's post by Lynn reminded I still had not done that, so today I swung by Joann after the barn and before work.

Not going to lie, it was kind of depressing.

The shelves weren't completely empty.

There was still quite a bit of fabric.

But the other stuff...

the craft supplies and jewelry items I usually buy...

that was mostly gone.

For perhaps the first time ever, I left Joann empty-handed.

There probably isn't anything Joann carried that I won't be able to find at Michael's or any number of on-line sources. Still, I will miss this conveniently located, dog-friendly store. I can not tell you how many times I went in for something necessary like glue or beads and came out with something I didn't know I needed, like unicorn fabric...

or tiny Christmas pom poms.

That's actually the thing I will miss most about Joann. I hope Michael's doesn't suffer a similar fate. It would be a shame for us to lose all of our brick and mortar craft stores.