😱 Joann's Closing ALL Stores?! Gift Card Holders RAGE! 😡
The crafting world is in an uproar! Joann Fabrics, the beloved (and now soon-to-be-missed) fabric and craft supply store, is closing all 800 of its locations nationwide. This news, following a previous announcement of only 500 closures, has left many shoppers reeling, but especially those holding onto gift cards.
The real kicker? Joann's has stopped accepting these gift cards, leaving customers with unusable balances and a hefty dose of frustration. Social media is ablaze with angry comments from customers who feel cheated out of their money. One Instagram user commented, "I just want you to know how incredibly upsetting it is that you cut off our ability to use gift cards...Wrong." Another shopper on X (formerly Twitter) lamented losing $40 they couldn't spend.
The situation is particularly contentious in Maine, where a state law prohibits the expiration of gift certificates. This legal wrinkle adds another layer of complexity to the already simmering anger amongst gift card holders.
Why are all Joann's stores closing?
The mass closures are a direct result of Joann's second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing within a year. After a bidding war, retail liquidator GA Group and Joann's term lenders acquired the company's remaining assets. While Joann's claims to have worked towards a more favorable outcome, the reality is the closure of all stores represents a significant blow to the retail landscape and its loyal customers.
What about the going-out-of-business sales?
While going-out-of-business sales began on February 15th, the process is expected to last for months. Shoppers are urged to act quickly as only on-site inventory is available during these sales. However, the gift card issue remains a major sticking point, preventing many customers from fully participating in the clearance events.
What's Next?
USA TODAY has reached out to Joann's for comment on the gift card situation and the widespread customer outrage. We will update this blog post with any official response from the company. Meanwhile, the crafting community continues to express its disappointment and frustration over the closures and the handling of gift cards. This situation highlights the importance of understanding store policies and the potential risks associated with gift cards, especially during times of financial distress for retailers.
Have you been affected by Joann's closure? Share your experience in the comments below!
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