As Joann stores prepare to close their doors for good, another big player in the craft world is already making moves to win over their loyal customers.

With fabric fans and DIY crafters looking for a new go-to store, Michaels isn’t wasting any time in welcoming them.

Michaels Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Joann Shoppers

Michaels, which boasts over 1,000 locations across the country, is going full steam ahead in its effort to attract Joann’s customer base.

Just last week, they posted a bold message on their homepage aimed directly at Joann’s loyal fans.

“Welcome JOANN Customers,” the message read.

“We’ve got your go-to essentials & so much more!”

This is more than just friendly competition—it’s a calculated move to position Michaels as the new crafting destination for knitters, quilters, and DIY lovers feeling displaced by Joann’s bankruptcy.

A Long Rivalry with Different Crafting Strengths

For years, Joann and Michaels operated in overlapping spaces, though they each carved out their own niches.

Joann was beloved for its deep selection of fabrics, sewing supplies, and patterns—especially among people who sew clothes, make gifts, or craft baby items.

Michaels, on the other hand, leaned more heavily into art supplies, stationery, and trendy home décor items.

But now that Joann is on its way out, Michaels is hoping to fill in the gaps and become a one-stop shop for all kinds of crafters.

Customers Mourn the Loss of a Crafting Staple

The end of Joann’s has hit many in the crafting community hard.

One fan shared on Reddit how devastated they were, explaining that they rely on Joann’s for fabric to make baby clothes and toys—a hobby they described as full of love and joy.

Sadly, those emotional ties might not be enough to save the company. Joann, once known as Joann Fabrics, officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in January.

A Rapid Decline and Store Closures Across the U.S.

This isn’t Joann’s first brush with bankruptcy—in fact, it’s their second filing in just one year.

The company has been struggling under financial pressure, weighed down by over $615 million in debt and facing a tough retail climate.

Since the filing, more than 500 stores have slashed prices with aggressive liquidation sales—offering 50% to 80% off—as they attempt to clear out inventory.

Most stores are nearly empty, and the final closures are expected by the end of May. Even their online store has already gone dark.

Michaels Has a History of Capitalizing on Competitor Closures

This isn’t the first time Michaels has swooped in during another retailer’s decline.

After Party City announced it would shutter all 850 of its U.S. locations, Michaels quickly responded by expanding its celebration and party supplies.

In April, Michaels unveiled 300 new balloon designs and over 500 celebration-themed products.

It was a strategic launch aimed at scooping up customers left without a party-supply option.

Party City Gets a Lifeline as Joann Faces Final Days

While Joann’s fate seems sealed, Party City has at least found a path forward.

Though most of its stores have closed—only 29 remain open—the brand received a $20 million boost from New Amscan, the parent company of Chia Pets and other novelty brands.

That funding is being used to transform Party City into a strictly online retailer, giving it a second chance at survival.

Joann, unfortunately, doesn’t appear to have that option.

What’s Next for the Crafting Community?

As Joann fades out of the retail picture, longtime customers are wondering where to go for their crafting needs.

Michaels is clearly hoping to be the answer—but whether it can truly fill the fabric-shaped hole Joann leaves behind remains to be seen.

One thing’s for sure: the competition in the craft world is heating up, and shoppers will be watching closely to see who earns their loyalty next.