Joann Stores Cease Gift Card Use as All Locations Prepare to Close

The crafts retailer's decision to stop accepting gift cards before store closures has sparked frustration among customers, following its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Joann announced it would no longer accept gift cards after February 28, ahead of closing all 533 stores nationwide.
The 80-year-old crafts retailer entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time earlier this year, citing declining consumer demand and financial challenges.
The company's assets have been acquired by GA Group and its prepetition term loan agent, who are overseeing going-out-of-business sales expected to last until May or until inventory runs out.
Customers have expressed frustration on social media, claiming the short notice and lack of clarity about gift card policies were unfair.
Joann's closures include the end of personalized discounts for teachers, military personnel, and healthcare workers, with purchases now limited to in-store transactions only.