Joann is closing.
The crafting and fabric retailer announced it was shuttering about 500 stores nationwide. Of those, at least 30 are in Pennsylvania and there are many throughout the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Stores from Robinson and Monroeville in Allegheny County to Greensburg and Indiana and Johnstown in surrounding counties are on the chopping block. Pittsburgh Mills appears to be the only location to survive.
There is a difference between this closing and some others that have been announced in recent years as various retailers have pivoted from building booms to bankruptcy courts.
When Big Lots announced its closings in December, it hurt shoppers who rely on the stores for low-priced goods. However, there are plenty of other stores in that sector scattered across the region. There’s Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and the biggest of big box stores, Walmart. None are exactly the same, but there are options.
Joann occupies a different role. It’s a specialty store. Yes, there are other crafting purveyors such as Michael’s, which has stores in 61 Pennsylvania cities. There is Hobby Lobby, which has six locations around the Pittsburgh area.
Fabric stores are harder to find. Hobby Lobby does sell cloth. Michael’s does not. Walmart has a limited selection. When Joann closes, it will hit people in this area hard. They will have fewer options and likely higher prices.
But does that matter? How many people really sew their clothes? According to a 2018 survey, about 25 million. But that predates a more recent trend toward traditional homemaking practices. It also predates inflationary spikes and the potential for tariffs on incoming goods. The International Trade Commission points to 98% of retail clothing in 2023 being imported.
On the other hand, the U.S. has a large textile manufacturing industry, generating about $64.8 billion in 2023.
So what could be the solution?
It might be time to look beyond the big retailers. Specialty items such as fabric could pave the way to a return to local business. Perhaps the fall of the big box is the rebirth of the small shop. It could help the economy. It could revitalize communities. It could support other businesses along the way.
But that only works if the public supports it.