Good news for Milwaukee crafters still mourning the loss of Joann Fabrics: Michaels stores will be stocking some Joann brands.
Joann Fabrics officially closed all of its stores earlier this year after filing for bankruptcy for a second time in January 2025. With more than 800 U.S. stores, including 24 in Wisconsin, Joann Fabrics was among the leading retailers nationwide for fabrics, yarn and other craft supplies.
In June, fellow craft retailer Michaels announced it had purchased Joann’s intellectual property — signaling the company is jostling to take over Joann’s former customer base.
Here’s what to know about Joann Fabrics brands in Michaels stores, as well as which other Milwaukee-area craft stores offer yarn and fabrics:
Joann brands will be available in Michaels stores, company says
Michaels has debuted a new section in all North American stores, The Knit & Sew Shop, which will carry products with both the Joann and Michaels logos, the company announced Sept. 24.
The stores will stock dual-branded Michaels and Joann products, such as threads, yarn, and sewing notions. Some customer-favorite Joann brands, like Big Twist, will also be on shelves by the end of the October.
By mid-October, more than 650 Michaels stores will offer in-store services, like fabric cutting tables, as part of The Knit & Sew Shop.
Following Joann’s closure, Michaels has added fabrics to more than 840 stores, with plans with expand to an additional 250 locations, according to the company announcement. The retail chain has also expanded its yarn selection by 25% this year and stocked other popular sewing brands, such as Gütermann threads.
Where are Michaels locations in the Milwaukee area?
Michaels has stores in 20 Wisconsin cities, according to its website.
In southeast Wisconsin, stores are located in the following cities:
Where else can you buy craft supplies in Milwaukee after Joann Fabrics closure?
Though Michaels is attempting to scoop up former Joann shoppers, there are also plenty of local craft stores in the Milwaukee area specializing in yarn, fabrics, beads and other supplies.
Here’s a list of Milwaukee-area craft stores, with more information here about what each spot offers:
Liliana Fannin contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee-area Michaels stores will soon offer some Joann Fabrics brands
Reporting by Maia Pandey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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