Joann closing 11 stores across region amid bankruptcy proceedings

A well-known sewing and fabric company could begin closing hundreds of stores as soon as Saturday, Feb. 15, including many on the Gulf Coast. Joann, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, announced Feb. 12 that it planned to shutter certain stores based on performance.

“As part of the ongoing Chapter 11 process and our efforts to maximize the value of the business, Joann has filed a motion seeking court authority to begin closing approximately 500 stores across the nation,” Joann says in a statement. “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. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for Joann.”

The company has more than 800 stores across 49 states, according to a statement from Joann. A hearing is set for Friday, Feb. 14, at which point a judge can rule on whether the company can begin closing stores. Subject to court approval, Joann says it expects going-out-of-business sales to begin at the affected stores the next day and continue for several months.

Here are the stores on the closure list around the region:

• 2343 Curlew Rd., Dunedin
• 8072 Mediterranean Drive, Estero
• 4610 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
• 4241 Us Highway 98 N., Lakeland
• 6424 Naples Blvd., Suite. 501, Naples
• 10057 Us Highway 19, Port Richey
• 2500 66th St. N., St. Petersburg
• 4934 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 
• 6234 Commerce Palms Blvd., Tampa
• 12635 Citrus Plaza Drive, Tampa
• 4143 Tamiami Trail S., Venice

Joann filed for bankruptcy in 2024 as well to address the company’s capital structure.

“The last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels, forced us to take this step,” Joann says in a statement about the latest Chapter 11 filing.

Gordon Brothers, which is also handling the sale of Big Lots stores that went out of business, is the stalking-horse bidder. If Gordon Brothers takes over, it plans to liquidate Joann and close all stores, according to a statement from the company.

This story was updated to reflect the Dunedin location is also on the store closure list.