As Joann stores prepare to shut their doors for good, one of its biggest competitors isn’t waiting for the dust to settle.
Michaels is stepping right into the spotlight—already making a play to scoop up Joann’s loyal customer base before the final store closes.
The Texas-based arts and crafts giant isn’t being subtle about it either.
Last week, Michaels launched a pointed message right on its homepage, reading, “Welcome JOANN Customers.
We’ve got your go-to essentials & so much more!”
It’s a not-so-gentle nudge aimed at Joann fans who may now be scrambling for a new source for their fabrics, threads, and sewing patterns.
A Rivalry That’s Been Years in the Making
For years, Joann’s and Michaels have catered to similar—but slightly different—crowds.
Joann’s, famously rooted in fabric and sewing supplies, was the go-to destination for knitters, quilters, and DIY clothing makers.
Michaels, on the other hand, leaned more into a broad range of creative hobbies—think paints, home décor, art supplies, and stationary.
But with Joann’s winding down, the line between the two is getting blurrier.
Hobbyists who once visited Joann’s regularly are now looking for a new home, and Michaels is rolling out the welcome mat.
Heartbroken Customers Say Goodbye to a Crafting Staple
It’s not just business—it’s personal for many. On Reddit and other forums, Joann fans are mourning the loss of a brand that’s been part of their creative lives for years.
“I am so heartbroken by this,” one Reddit user shared.
“I go to Joann’s primarily to buy fabric for baby clothes, toys, and accessories — a truly joyful hobby and a wonderful way to bring joy to others.”
The sentiment is widespread. Joann’s, which was rebranded from Joann Fabrics, officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January.
And while it had already been struggling, this second filing in less than a year signaled the end was near.
Liquidation Sales and Store Closures Sweep the Country
With more than 800 stores across the country, Joann’s downfall is hard to miss.
Over 500 locations have been hosting massive liquidation sales, slashing prices by up to 80 percent.
Shelves are emptying fast as customers stock up before the lights go out for good.
The online store has already been shut down, and according to court documents, most stores are expected to close entirely by the end of May.
Joann’s is carrying the weight of over $615 million in debt—a burden that became impossible to overcome.
Michaels Has a History of Jumping In When Others Collapse
This isn’t the first time Michaels has seized an opportunity during a competitor’s downfall.
Just last month, the company introduced an entire new line of balloons and celebration supplies—timed perfectly after Party City began closing all of its retail locations.
Michaels’ new collection included over 300 balloon styles and 500 celebration products, effectively filling the gap left behind by Party City’s exit from brick-and-mortar retail.
Party City’s Fate Looks Different Than Joann’s
While Joann’s story is one of finality, Party City’s situation has a bit more hope.
The party-supply chain announced in December that it was shuttering all 850 of its U.S. locations.
But rather than vanish completely, the brand secured a $20 million investment from New Amscan, the parent company behind novelty items like Chia Pets.
The plan now is to breathe new life into Party City as a fully online-only business—something Joann’s hasn’t publicly outlined as a possibility.
A New Chapter for Crafters and Creators?
As Joann’s legacy slowly comes to an end, Michaels is clearly positioning itself as the go-to brand for displaced creatives.
Whether or not they can fully fill the shoes of a brand so closely tied to the fabric and sewing community remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: Michaels is ready to try.
And for customers, the shift might mean finding new favorites, new routines, and hopefully—new inspiration.