Joann Fabrics and Crafts

Joann Fabrics in Syracuse and the Onondaga Region: A Legacy of Creativity Amid Closures

Joann Fabrics and Crafts, a staple for sewing enthusiasts, quilters, and DIY crafters across the United States, has long been a go-to destination for supplies in Central New York. Founded in 1943 as a single store in Cleveland, Ohio, the chain grew into a nationwide retailer offering everything from fabrics and yarns to seasonal decor and crafting tools. In the Syracuse and Onondaga County area, Joann stores served as community hubs where locals could find inspiration for projects ranging from homemade quilts to holiday decorations. However, by late 2025, the company’s financial struggles led to the closure of all its locations, marking the end of an era for crafters in the region and within a 100-mile radius, which includes cities like Rochester, Binghamton, Ithaca, and Utica.

Historical Presence in the Syracuse Area
For decades, Joann Fabrics maintained a strong footprint in Syracuse and surrounding Onondaga County. Key locations included the store at 330 Towne Center Drive in Fayetteville, which was conveniently situated near shopping centers and drew customers from nearby suburbs like Manlius and East Syracuse. Another prominent site was in Clay on State Route 31, serving northern Onondaga County residents, and a spot in Camillus on West Genesee Street catered to the western side of the area. These stores were known for their wide aisles stocked with seasonal items, sewing machines, and an array of fabrics that appealed to both beginners and seasoned artisans.

Beyond Onondaga, Joann extended its reach within about 100 miles of Syracuse. In Cortland, roughly 35 miles south, a store on Clinton Street provided supplies to rural crafters. Ithaca, about 50 miles southwest, had a location on Triphammer Road that was popular among Cornell University students and locals for costume-making and art projects. Further afield, stores in New Hartford (near Utica, 50 miles east) and Greece (near Rochester, 80 miles west) rounded out the regional network, offering similar assortments of quilting materials, jewelry-making kits, and knitting supplies. Reviews from locals often praised the variety, with one Yelp user noting the “beautiful selection of seasonal items” at the Fayetteville store.

These outlets not only sold products but also fostered creativity through in-store classes and workshops on topics like sewing basics and holiday crafting. In a region known for its long winters, Joann stores provided a warm escape for hobbyists in Syracuse and beyond, contributing to the local economy by employing area residents and supporting community events.

The Road to Closure: Bankruptcy and Challenges
The story took a downturn in recent years. Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2024, citing post-pandemic supply chain issues and shifting consumer habits. The company emerged briefly but filed again in January 2025, blaming “struggling sales and acute inventory issues.” By February 2025, Joann announced plans to close approximately 500 of its 850 stores nationwide, including 24 in New York State and two in Central New York: the Fayetteville and Cortland locations. The Clay store initially survived this wave but was ultimately shuttered as the company decided to close all remaining outlets by mid-2025.

In the broader 100-mile radius, closures hit hard. The Ithaca store began liquidation in early 2025, with signs advertising massive sales. Similar fates befell locations in Greece (closing April 2025), Olean, and Clifton Park. By December 2025, no Joann stores remain operational in the region or nationwide, with the company’s assets sold to a consortium including retail liquidator GA Group. Community reactions on platforms like Reddit reflected disappointment, with Syracuse users lamenting bare shelves and seeking alternatives as early as May 2025.

Competition from lower-priced rivals like Walmart, Target, and online giants exacerbated Joann’s woes, alongside broader retail trends favoring e-commerce over brick-and-mortar crafting stores.

Impact on the Local Crafting Community
The closures have left a void in Syracuse and Onondaga County, where Joann was often the primary source for affordable fabrics and notions. Local crafters, from quilters in Fayetteville to costume designers in Ithaca, expressed frustration over losing a convenient one-stop shop. One Reddit user in Syracuse noted the “embarrassing effort” by competitors like Michaels to fill the gap with limited fabric selections. The economic ripple includes job losses for store employees and reduced foot traffic in shopping plazas like Towne Center.

However, the region’s crafting spirit endures. Within 100 miles, communities have adapted by turning to online options and local independents, preserving the DIY ethos that Joann once championed.

Alternatives for Crafters in Syracuse and Beyond
With Joann gone, several alternatives have stepped up in the Syracuse-Onondaga area and within 100 miles:

• Michaels: As the closest national chain, Michaels has expanded its fabric offerings, acquiring some of Joann’s private labels. Stores in Syracuse (Erie Boulevard) and Clay provide art supplies, yarns, and basic fabrics, though selections are more limited than Joann’s.

• Hobby Lobby: Located in DeWitt (near Syracuse) and New Hartford, this chain offers a robust selection of fabrics, crafting tools, and home decor, often with weekly sales.

• Local Independents: Calico Gals in Lyncourt (Syracuse) specializes in quilting fabrics and classes, making it a favorite for Onondaga County quilters. In Ithaca, SewGreen, a nonprofit at Pressbay Alley, offers eclectic, affordable fabrics and notions from donated materials. Quilters Corner in Ithaca and other small quilt shops in Binghamton and Rochester provide high-quality cottons and community workshops.

• Big-Box and Online Options: Walmart and Target stores in Syracuse, Liverpool, and Rochester sell fabric by the yard, yarns, and basic supplies. For broader selections, Amazon and Etsy offer everything from notions to specialty prints, with Etsy supporting independent sellers. Specialty online shops like Blackbird Fabrics cater to garment sewers with premium materials.

These options ensure that crafters in the region can continue their projects, often with added benefits like personalized service from local shops.

Looking Forward: The Enduring Craft Scene
While the closure of Joann Fabrics marks a significant change for Syracuse, Onondaga County, and the surrounding 100-mile area, it highlights the resilience of the crafting community. From the bustling aisles of former stores to the innovative alternatives now thriving, the spirit of creativity persists. As locals adapt, the legacy of Joann—affordable access to tools that turn ideas into reality—lives on through new venues and online resources. For those missing the in-person experience, exploring local independents could uncover even richer inspirations.