For decades, Joann Fabrics and Crafts has been a go-to destination for crafters, quilters, and DIY enthusiasts, but soon, its doors in Orland Park will close for good. The store at 15752 S. La Grange Road is among hundreds of Joann locations set to shut down as the company moves through bankruptcy proceedings.
“I’ve been coming here for years,” said longtime customer of the Orland Park location, Diane Williams, of Orland Park, who was picking up fabric for a quilting project. “It’s heartbreaking to see it go. This was more than just a store you visit; it was a creative hub and inspiration for so many of us.”
According to court filings on Wednesday, Feb. 12, the popular retailer is planning to close more than 500 of its 800 stores across the country. States such as Illinois, California, Florida, and Michigan will be among the hardest hit.
A company spokesperson confirmed the news to CNN Wednesday, acknowledging the decision through an official statement on CNN.com: “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.”
Local employees at the Orland Park location refused to comment on the closing of the store but customers who have formed bonds with employees and who relied on Joann for their crafting supplies are devastated.
“It’s a bummer to hear that the store is closing,” Kayla Slawecki, of Oak Lawn, said. “I always enjoyed walking around and seeing what they had to offer. I’m going to miss that.”
Jackie Slager, of Mokena, frequents the Orland Park location for fabric and crafting materials. She said she was shocked when she heard the news.
“It’s really sad news,” she said. “I’m here all the time and so is my daughter. Unfortunately, crafting stores like Michaels and Hobby do not carry as much as Joann Fabrics. This means us crafters are going to travel to further away locations to get what we need – and believe me, we will take that drive.”
The Orland Park location is just one of several Joann stores in Illinois slated for closure. Other affected stores include locations in Crestwood, Naperville, Joliet, and Chicago.
As Joann Fabrics prepares to wind down operations at these locations, customers are encouraged to visit before final closing dates, which have yet to be announced. In the meantime, the crafting community will be left searching for new spaces to gather, create, and keep their creative traditions alive.
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