Facing numerous economic headwinds, Jo-Ann Stores LLC is closing all locations and liquidating all assets.
The textile retailer has nine stores in and around Houston which are right now in the midst of clearing shelves with big discounts: 20%-50% off, a prominent sign reads on the door.
It appears the shuttering will ultimately cost the entire company’s workforce their jobs.
Jo-Ann Stores, commonly referred to as JOANN Fabrics, was founded in 1943 in Cleveland, Ohio grew to more than 800 stores, operating in 49 states.
The customer base has been loyal but is aging.
“I don’t think a lot of people home sew anymore. They just order ready-made clothing online,” Patty Bailey, a longtime shopper related.
Bailey, however, did not leave the West Houston store with any purchased items. She noted that the prices were still too high for fabric even with the liquidation discounts.
Bailey said she will return to the store in the coming weeks, looking for even steeper discounts.
It is unclear when locations will permanently shutter, and that effort may be somewhat staggered.
An employee at the Meyerland location, which opened within the last couple of years, said she thought her store would close sometime in May.
