In February, JOANN, a staple for crafters, announced that it would close all its stores across the nation. The news struck a chord, particularly for sewing enthusiasts, quilters, and scrapbookers, many of whom regarded JOANN as a cherished resource for craft supplies. In Utah, the impact was felt with 13 franchise locations, each holding sentimental value for local artists and hobbyists.
Kellie Daniels, the owner of Knitting Hive, expressed her nostalgia for JOANN. Growing up, she often visited with her mother, who sewed her clothes. These trips fostered her love for crafting and helped cultivate her passion for knitting and sewing. While she admits to having mixed feelings about the store’s closure, she hopes it will encourage local crafters to support independent shops like hers.
Despite the sadness surrounding JOANN’s exit, Daniels and other craft shop owners do not view it as indicative of a decline in the crafting community in Utah. This sentiment is echoed by carefully situated local craft shops that continue to flourish, demonstrating a lasting demand for quality crafting supplies and personalized service.
For instance, in Provo, Heindselman’s Yarn and Needlework has thrived as the longest-standing yarn shop in the United States, surviving for more than 120 years. Open since 1904, the shop remains a vibrant hub engaged with the community. Sy Crofts, an employee, rejects the notion that younger generations are disinterested in crafts. On the contrary, he observes a significant rise in interest among kids, teens, and young adults.
Crafting has experienced a renaissance, according to Whitney Swinyard, the owner of Handwork, a downtown Salt Lake City yarn shop. She attributes this resurgence to the effects of social media and the trending emphasis on slow, mindful crafting. With the fast-paced nature of modern life, Swinyard believes younger people are actively seeking authentic, hands-on experiences that allow them to slow down and connect with their creativity.
Additionally, Kellie Daniels has fostered a sense of community within her shop by hosting weekly knitting nights, where most attendees are under 35, illustrating that the crafting spirit is alive and well among the younger demographic.
In St. George, Nettie Moore and her daughter Lindsey Weight are embodying the crafting boom with their business, Primrose Cottage. Founded in 2017 from Weight’s house, Primrose Cottage gained momentum during the pandemic when more people turned to crafting for solace. The shop capitalized on its growing online presence, and this year, they opened their first physical location after eight years in business. Their innovative approach, focusing on ease and accessibility, has resonated with a global audience, aiding their expansion into local and online markets alike.
The closure of JOANN has sparked hope among local shop owners as they anticipate an influx of customers seeking alternatives. Daniels has noted an encouraging trend: many new visitors to Knitting Hive are doing so because they used to shop at JOANN.
Conversely, Swinyard expresses concern that some newcomers might be intimidated by the price differences between low-cost big-box store items and the higher-quality products offered at local shops. She warns that this disparity could pose a challenge for customers accustomed to less expensive options.
However, Renae Haddadin, founder of Quilts on the Corner located in Sandy, believes that while local craft shops may seem pricier, they offer greater value through superior product quality, knowledgeable staff, and personalized customer service. Her store provides free classes for beginners, fostering a learning environment that big-box stores rarely replicate.
Haddadin emphasizes the communal aspect that independent craft shops facilitate, distinguishing them from their corporate counterparts. She reflects on how crafting has helped alleviate the isolation experienced during the pandemic, as her store has become a gathering place where people of all ages converge to bond over their shared interests.
The sense of connection and community built within local craft shops has become increasingly vital. While JOANN may have provided cheaper alternatives, customers can find richer experiences within local shops. Employees at these establishments often possess extensive knowledge and a shared passion for crafting that enhances the shopping experience.
Mary Lynn Warner, owner of Heindselman’s, highlights the commitment local shops have to being a welcome space for crafters. She notes that local fiber artists contribute back to the community in many valuable ways, emphasizing the importance of engagement and support.
Furthermore, studies have shown that crafting can contribute to improved mental health and greater life satisfaction. The activity fosters mindfulness and provides a therapeutic outlet, allowing individuals to express their creativity while connecting with others.
Lastly, as the landscape of craft supplies changes with the closure of JOANN, opportunistic brands are already moving to fill the void. Michaels recently acquired JOANN’s intellectual property and plans to incorporate its product lines into their existing stores.
In conclusion, while JOANN’s departure marks the end of an era, local crafting communities are poised to thrive. The relationships, support, and experiences curated at local shops foster a resilient environment for both seasoned crafters and newcomers alike.
As Utah’s local craft shop owners continue working to create supportive spaces for their communities, the interest in crafting is unlikely to wane. Instead, it’s just the beginning of a new chapter in the thriving world of local crafting.
image source from：utahbusiness
