Nationwide chain JOANN Fabrics and Crafts sent a bankruptcy court Wednesday a list of 500 stores it plans to close, including the Fresno location.

The company did not say when it would close the store just north of River Park Shopping Center, but it could take months. The chain has about 800 stores in total, according to Newsweek.

“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 officials said 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.”

Related Story: JOANN Fabrics and Crafts to Close Visalia Distribution Facility, Shedding 209 ...

Going-Out-of-Business Sales Start Soon

If the court approves the proposal, going-out-0f-business sales at closing stores will likely begin Saturday, continuing for several months, according to the store’s website. The chain does have a proposed buyer. Acting as a “stalking horse” bidder, asset management firm Gordon Brothers has set a floor price for an auction of JOANN assets.

If Gordon Brothers’ bid is accepted, it has indicated it would liquidate the company.

“We continue to actively solicit alternate bids and have received inquiries from parties potentially interested in continuing to operate JOANN stores and online businesses on an ongoing basis,” the company website stated.

JOANN filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy less than a year ago, addressing the company’s capital structure. The company determined, however, that a court-ordered sale process would be the best course of action “to maximize the value of the business.”

“Following the Company’s restructuring last year, we continue to experience significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and
constrained inventory levels, have forced us to take this step,” the company’s website stated.

Worker Says Company Is Letting JOANN Die

Catarino Castro has worked at the JOANN distribution center in Visalia for more than six years. The company announced earlier this month it would close the warehouse, laying off 209 employees.

The announcement surprised the 45-year-old. After the 2024 bankruptcy, leadership told workers that the move would make the company leaner and “better than ever.” Even after the bankruptcy, there was plenty of work for employees.

Castro doesn’t believe claims that the retail market for fabric was the main factor for closing.

“They’re the ones who told us we sell 80% of all the fabric in the United States,” Castro said. “To me, that’s like a gold mine, they’re letting it die.”

Castro liked the consistent hours and good pay. He recently bought a house for his partner and two children. In his spare time, he buys and repairs accordions for the Mexican community.

Though the warehouse hasn’t closed, many employees are looking for new jobs, he said. They’ve been told they can cash out their accrued vacation pay, but it won’t be renewed.

The Visalia job market has a lot options, he said, and he feels good about his chances. However, he doesn’t know if he wants another job in the corporate structure.

He has thought about running his own landscaping business, but he’s not opposed to working for someone else.

“I would like to work for someone who I can shake their hand and say, ‘This is my boss,’ ” Castro said. “Even if I didn’t get paid that much, someone that knew my skills and recognized the things I did. I would always do extra things all the time and nobody would ever pay attention to anything. All this effort you put in, it really goes to waste.”