SAGINAW, MI — Joann Fabrics, a longtime staple for crafters and sewing enthusiasts, is set to close the majority of its Michigan locations as part of a nationwide restructuring effort.
According to bankruptcy court filings made Wednesday, the retailer will shutter 33 of its 41 Michigan stores, affecting communities across the state, including Flint, Saginaw, and Midland.
The closures are part of a broader plan to downsize operations, with nearly 500 of Joann’s roughly 850 stores set to close nationwide.
The Ohio-based company initially filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2024, securing $132 million in financing as it worked to manage a debt burden exceeding $1 billion.
The decision to close stores was not made lightly, according to a company spokesperson.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers, and all of the communities we serve,” the spokesperson told USA TODAY. “A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time.”
For cities like Flint, Saginaw, and Midland, the loss of Joann Fabrics marks another blow to local retail options. Saginaw, in particular, has seen a wave of store closures in recent months, including Party City, Edible Arrangements, Dunham’s, and H&M.
Michigan store closures
The following Michigan locations are set to close:
- Flint
- Saginaw
- Midland
- Essexville
- Battle Creek
- Grosse Pointe
- Fort Gratiot
- Canton
- Madison Heights
- Bloomfield Hills
- Lapeer
- Shelby Township
- Novi
- Roseville
- Taylor
- Auburn Hills
- Brighton
- Rochester Hills
- Allen Park
- Chesterfield
- Burton
- Grandville
- Holland
- Jackson
- Lansing (Frandor Shopping Center)
- Norton Shores
- Benton Harbor
- Adrian
- Alpena
- Petoskey
- Big Rapids
Stores remaining open
While most of Michigan’s Joann locations are closing, a few will continue operations:
- Grand Rapids
- Lansing – Delta Township (3750 W. Saginaw St.)
- Livonia
- Mount Pleasant
- Portage
- Traverse City
- White Lake
No official timeline has been announced for the closures, but they are expected to take effect immediately.
