Joann store liquidation: The latest on sales, gift cards, closing date

The fabric and craft retailer Joann, which had already announced the closure of hundreds of stores, this week said the chain will shut down completely.

Here’s what’s known about the liquidation process:

When will the stores close?

No date has been announced, and employees also apparently have not been told yet. On social media, staff members reported that the only information they received at an all-hands meeting Monday, Feb. 24, was a basic memo about the results of the bankruptcy auction the previous day.

The memo included the line: “Subject to court approval of the transaction [on Feb. 26], the winning bidders plan to wind down ongoing operations and conduct going-out-of-business sales at all JOANN locations.”

How deep are the discounts at the sales?

Shoppers on the first weekend of liquidation, Feb. 15-16, reported that everything was discounted 20% or more. Some items, such as Christmas merchandise, were discounted by as much as 60%.

Is fabric still being sold by the yard?

Yes, although long waits were reported for cutting. The minimum amount is 1 yard.

Are gift cards being honored?

Gift cards will be honored through Friday, Feb. 28, in stores. Already the cards are not being accepted online.

Are coupons being honored?

Though there were reports of some stores accepting coupons in the early days of the liquidation sale, the corporation’s instruction is that coupons — whether paper or on the app — will not be honored.

Can merchandise be ordered from Joann.com?

The website Joann.com is still operating, and orders will be shipped by mail. No in-store pickup is available for online orders.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, an initial visit to the website prompted a pop-up coupon for 25% off the order plus free shipping. A subsequent visit didn’t get the coupon, and the minimum order for free shipping was $75.

Can merchandise be returned?

No. All sales, in store or online, are final.