Latest news with #JoannFabrics
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Former Joann Fabrics employee sparks outrage after shedding light on company's practices following mass shutdown: 'It's a huge waste'
Former Joann Fabrics employee sparks outrage after shedding light on company's practices following mass shutdown: 'It's a huge waste' As Joann Fabric and Craft stores across the country closed, employees were forced to deal with the massive amount of remaining inventory. In a Reddit post, one former employee revealed the company's unsettling practice of discarding perfectly good sewing patterns. What's happening? An exasperated Joann employee vented their frustrations in the r/joannfabrics subreddit after posting a video highlighting the company's careless clean-out process. The video shows a pile of sewing patterns tossed into the dumpster. RIP patterns byu/sparklesharkbabe injoannfabrics "That dumpster is like 4 feet of pattern waste," wrote the OP. "Ugh." The OP explained how initially the company had employees sort the patterns with the goal of keeping them, but that quickly turned into "'everything in the dumpster, don't forget to douse em with water and take a pic for proof' overnight." Redditors were equally appalled by the company's purposeful destruction of sewing patterns and blatant waste. "Bookstores and the publishing companies had a similar thing," responded one user. "Rip the cover off and send that in while tossing the books themselves. It's a huge waste." Why was Joann's inventory policy concerning? Sewing patterns are not cheap, so throwing out perfectly good patterns is a huge waste of money. It's also a massive hit to the environment. Those discarded patterns will now end up in landfills that are already crowded. From there, they'll slowly break down, releasing harmful, planet-warming gases into the atmosphere. The most frustrating part, however, is that this could easily have been avoided had the company simply donated the patterns. Donating them would not only keep the patterns out of the trash but also offer them to consumers who may not be able to afford purchasing new patterns. Is Joann doing anything about this? One Redditor in the r/joannfabrics forum explained how their store cleared out the remaining patterns by selling "mystery boxes." Each mystery box contained approximately 25 patterns and was priced at only $20, a significant discount considering a single pattern can cost $20 on its own. Offering remaining inventory at serious discounts is a win for consumers and the environment. It gives shoppers the chance to buy items at an affordable price, extending the life of products that would otherwise end up in the trash. What single change would make the biggest dent in your personal food waste? Not buying food I don't need Freezing my food before it goes bad Using my leftovers more effectively Composting my food scraps Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What's being done about inventory waste more broadly? One of the main ways companies can reduce inventory waste is by minimizing overstocking and implementing effective inventory management practices. Some companies have reduced their waste through sustainable policies, such as switching to compostable utensils and offering refillable beauty products. We can each do our part to reduce unnecessary waste by shopping secondhand, using less plastic, and responsibly recycling or disposing of trash. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Customer outraged after seeing controversial policy at closing Joann store: 'Shameful for everyone participating'
Customer outraged after seeing controversial policy at closing Joann store: 'Shameful for everyone participating' While Joann Fabrics locations closed across the country, disturbing reports emerged about the company's liquidation practices. What's happening? A Redditor visiting their local store witnessed employees discarding sewing patterns in rolling garbage cans. When asked about this practice, an employee explained that liquidators had instructed them to "keep 4 and toss the rest," adding that the patterns "couldn't be donated or marked way down." The post gained traction in the r/joannfabrics community, with one commenter describing the situation as "shameful for everyone participating in that kind of waste." According to the original poster, their local store had planned to remain open until the end of May, suggesting this wasteful disposal happened while the store still operated. Why is this waste concerning? This disposal practice serves as a troubling example of retail waste that contributes to the growing landfill problem and resource overconsumption. Outside the environmental impact, this waste is a lost opportunity for community crafters, schools, and senior centers that could benefit from donated patterns. The situation is particularly frustrating because sewing itself is a sustainable practice many people use to repair, upcycle, or create long-lasting garments as an alternative to fast fashion. Forcing these patterns into landfills contradicts what sewing means for many crafters: mindful consumption and waste reduction. Is Joann Fabrics doing anything about this? The company has not issued a public statement addressing the liquidation practice. Joann Fabrics announced earlier this year that it would close about 500 stores nationwide after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It later signaled it was shutting down all its remaining locations. Joann's 2023 corporate responsibility impact report stated that the company was focused on "a sustainable and responsible future" and planned to "reduce our environmental footprint and have a lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business." Should it be illegal to throw away old clothes? Heck yes No way I'm not sure Only if it's free to recycle them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. However, the reported disposal of patterns signals a disconnect between corporate sustainability goals and liquidation practices. What's being done about retail waste more broadly? Some retailers have implemented more responsible methods. Companies including REI and Patagonia have strong reuse and recycling programs for returned or unsold merchandise. Organizations such as Waste Management Sustainability Services work with retailers to craft custom waste reduction strategies during closures and liquidations. If you're a shopper concerned about retail waste, consider asking store managers about donation options when you see clearance items or contact corporate headquarters to voice concerns. Also consider attending organized craft swaps that keep supplies out of landfills. When shopping, look for secondhand supplies, online pattern exchanges, and PDF patterns that reduce physical waste. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
At Home canceling some store closures, despite bankruptcy: See where
At Home filed for bankruptcy last month and said that it would close 26 "underperforming" stores by the fall. Now, the retail chain announced that two of those stores will stay open. The furniture and home decor retailer based in Coppell, Texas, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday, June 16, as a result of "broader economic and retail-specific market pressures," court documents showed. The bankruptcy filing and store closures follow several other "big box" retailers that have followed suit this year, including Big Lots, Joann Fabrics, Kohl's, JCPenney, Macy's, and Party City. The company employed about 7,170 employees when it filed for bankruptcy protection. Here's what to know about the cancellation of two store closures: Which At Home locations are staying open? The following stores in New Jersey and Wisconsin will remain open: 3201 N. Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 301 Nassau Park Boulevard in Princeton, New Jersey Which At Home stores are closing? The following stores will close by Sept. 30 of this year: 6135 Junction Boulevard in Rego Park, New York 300 Baychester Ave. in Bronx, New York 750 Newhall Drive in San Jose, California 2505 El Camino Real in Tustin, California 14585 Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami, Florida 2200 Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa, California 3795 E. Foothills Boulevard in Pasadena, California 1982 E. 20th St. in Chico, California 2820 Highway 63 South in Rochester, Minnesota 26532 Towne Center Drive, Suites A-B, in Foothill Ranch, California 1001 E. Sunset Drive in Bellingham, Washington 8320 Delta Shores Circle South in Sacramento, California 1361 NJ-35 in Middletown Township, New Jersey 2900 N. Bellflower Boulevard in Long Beach, California 720 Clairton Boulevard in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 2530 Rudkin Road in Yakima, Washington 571 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 5203 W. War Memorial Drive in Peoria, Illinois 8300 Sudley Road in Manassas, Virginia 461 Route 10 East in Ledgewood, New Jersey 300 Providence Highway in Dedham, Massachusetts 905 S 24th St. West in Billings, Montana 19460 Compass Creek Parkway in Leesburg, Virginia 13180 S. Cicero Ave. in Crestwood, Illinois Why did At Home file for bankruptcy? Court documents said that rising interest rates, "persistent inflation," and a growing concern over unsustainable customs costs resulting from increased tariffs led At Home to file for bankruptcy. As a result, At Home has already closed six stores over the past year. "Given the expenses associated with brick-and-mortar operation and the issues affecting the retail industry, a number of the (At Home) remaining stores are operating at sub-optimal performance levels," court documents revealed. As part of the bankruptcy filing, ownership of At Home will be transferred to a group of hedge funds and investment firms based in New York City and San Francisco, as outlined in a news release. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: At Home canceling some store location closings. Here's where.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Spooky Season is almost here. Here's when Spirit Halloween stores open in 2025 in Tennessee
Summer may still be in full swing, but the spirit of Halloween is already creeping in as October approaches. As the spookiest day of the year inches closer, retailers are gearing up for the season — including Spirit Halloween, the seasonal giant known for taking over vacant storefronts each fall. "[O]ur takeover begins soon," posted Sprit Halloween to X on July 30. With the closure of multiple stores in 2025, shoppers can expect to find costumes, animatronics and decor popping up in former retail spaces such as Joann Fabrics, Big Lots and Forever 21 locations. While the company hasn't announced an exact opening date, it has teased the return of its stores across its social media platforms. On Aug. 1, Spirit Halloween gave enthusiasts a first look at its 2025 locations, taking fans on a virtual walkthrough of what they can expect this year. The largest Halloween retailer in North America expects to open 1,500 retail locations in 2025. Here's what to know in Tennessee. When will Spirit Halloween stores open in 2025? Spirit Halloween typically opens its doors in August, though in past years it has opened as early as July. In 2024, the retailer held a special grand opening celebration at its flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, on Aug. 1. According to USA TODAY, the flagship store opened on July 29 in 2023, with other locations following in the weeks after. A 2022 news release from the company stated that its grand opening event was held on July 30. In 2021, the company's grand opening event took place on July 31. With the recent drop of the 2025 season teaser, it's safe to assume stores will be opening sometime in August. Spirit Halloween takes over bankrupt storefronts Hundreds of incoming Spirit Halloween stores will be moving into spaces formerly occupied by retailers that have gone bankrupt, USA TODAY reported, including Big Lots, Forever 21, Joann Fabrics, Party City, Circuit City, Kmart, and Rite Aid. According to Spirit Halloween's location map, which highlights stores slated to open in August and beyond, many of these new locations are taking over retail spaces left vacant by these notable bankrupt chains. Here's a look at the shuttered retailers whose former locations are being revived by Spirit Halloween this season. Big Lots (Filed for bankruptcy in September 2024) Forever 21 (Filed for bankruptcy in March 2025) Kmart (Filed for bankruptcy in January 2002, and its parent company, Sears Holdings, filed in October 2018) Party City (Filed for bankruptcy in January 2023, and then again in December 2024) Joann Fabrics (Filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 and then again in January 2025) Rite Aid (Filed for bankruptcy twice, in October 2023 and May 2025) Circuit City (Filed for bankruptcy in November 2008) 99 Cents Only Stores (Filed for bankruptcy in April 2024) Where to find Spirit Halloween stores in Tennessee Spirit Halloween will be opening several stores throughout Tennessee. To find a store near you, visit West Tennessee 5056 Park Avenue, Memphis (Former Tuesday morning) 1245 North Germantown Parkway Suite 102, Memphis (Next to Incredible Pizza) 2021 North Highland Ave. 57, Jackson (Former Macys) Middle Tennessee 504 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville (Next to Old Navy) 3177 Lebanon Pike, Nashville (Former Party City) 4109 Lebanon Pike, Nashville (Former Big Lots) 2088 Gallatin Pike North, Madison (Next to Gamestop) 2000 Mallory Lane, Franklin (Next door to DSW) 1720 Old Fort Parkway, 2001B, Murfreesboro (Next door to Amp50) 377 West Jackson St., Cookeville (Next door to Dunhams) East Tennessee 4627 Greenway Drive, Knoxville (Former Joann Fabrics) 151 North Peters Road, Knoxville (Next to Dynasty Nail Bar) 208 Collier Drive, Sevierville (Next to Cato Fashions) 345 Northgate Mall Drive, Chattanooga (Former Burlington on Backside of Mall) 2020 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga 2210-B Hamilton Parkway Blvd., Chattanooga (Next to Academy) Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@ or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When Spirit Halloween will open in Tennessee in 2025? Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
02-08-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Ghosts of retailers' past: See what dead stores Spirit Halloween is reviving
Shoppers may find it spooky when they see their favorite Joann Fabrics, Big Lots or Forever 21 store is now a Spirit Halloween. According to Spirit Halloween's website, the Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey-headquartered company has "more than 1,500 seasonal locations in strip centers and malls across North America." Hundreds of these incoming stores will occupy spaces previously used by retailers that have since gone bankrupt, including Big Lots, Forever 21, Joann Fabrics, Party City, Circuit City, K-Mart and Rite Aid. Spirit's stores open at the end of the summer, while its online store is available year-round, according to the company. USA TODAY contacted Spirit Halloween on Saturday, Aug. 2, but has not received a response. Here are the bankrupt retailers whose spaces are being revived by Spirit Halloween. What bankrupt retailers will have spaces revived by Spirit Halloween? According to Spirit Halloween's location map, which shows incoming stores slated to open either in August or beyond, these are some notable bankrupt companies that will have their former spaces occupied by "the largest Halloween retailer in the country." How to check for upcoming Spirit Halloween locations Those looking to check whether a Spirit Halloween is opening in their area can visit the retailer's map, enter their city or postal code, and see where the nearest location is. The company announced in June that it is seeking 50,000 seasonal employees to support more than 1,500 retail locations it expects to open this year. Contributing: Mike Snider and Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY
