It’s quiet on West Main Street lately. If you’ve lived in Malone for a minute, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The 228 West Main Street spot—specifically Suite 12 in that little plaza—used to be a hub. You’d go in for one specific shade of DMC embroidery floss and walk out forty-five minutes later with three yards of fleece you didn’t know you needed and a seasonal wreath.
But things changed. Fast.
Honestly, the situation with Joann Fabric Malone NY is a bit of a gut punch for the local creative community. We aren't exactly swimming in specialized craft options up here near the border. When the news hit that the store was shuttering its doors for good, it wasn't just about losing a place to buy buttons. It was about losing that "third place" where the staff actually knew the difference between a fat quarter and a yard of quilting cotton.
Why the Malone Location Actually Closed
You might have heard the rumors. Maybe you saw the "Store Closing" signs back in early 2025 and hoped it was just a restructuring thing. It wasn't. While Joann Fabrics as a whole has been riding a financial roller coaster for years, the Malone closure was part of a final, nationwide sweep.
Basically, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice in less than a year. The first time, back in March 2024, they tried to pivot. They went private, cut some debt, and kept the lights on. But by January 2025, the debt was back with a vengeance. They tried to find a buyer who would keep the stores open. Nobody bit.
By late February 2025, the order came down: every single Joann store was going to close. Malone was no exception.
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
It’s weird to think about. This store had been a staple in the North Country since February 1997. That’s nearly three decades of serving Franklin County. We’re talking about a store that survived the 1998 Ice Storm only to be taken down by corporate debt and the rise of Temu and Amazon.
The Real Impact on Malone Crafters
Malone is a small town. We don't have a Michaels or a Hobby Lobby just around the corner. If you want those, you’re usually looking at a drive to Plattsburgh or across the border into Cornwall—which, let's be real, is a hassle with the bridge and the customs lines.
Losing this store meant more than just losing a retail outlet. It meant:
- No more "last-minute" zipper runs for prom dress emergencies.
- The end of local classes where beginners could learn to use a sewing machine without feeling judged.
- A massive gap in high-quality quilting supplies that you just can't find at a big-box general retailer.
Where Everyone is Shopping Now
So, what do we do now? You can't just stop making stuff. People in Malone are resilient, and they’ve already started migrating to other spots.
Walmart Supercenter (State Route 11) It’s the most obvious choice, but let’s be honest: it’s not the same. They have fabric by the yard and basic notions, but the selection is "standard." If you need specialized upholstery fabric or high-end apparel lace, you're probably out of luck here.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
The Market Barn If you’re looking for finished crafts or inspiration, the Market Barn on East Main is still a treasure. With over 80 vendors, it’s great for seeing what other local makers are doing, though you won't find a wall of thread there.
Online (The "Necessary Evil") A lot of people are moving to Missouri Star Quilt Co. or even the remnants of Joann's online presence (which Michaels actually bought some of the private labels for). But ordering fabric online is a gamble. You can't feel the "hand" of the fabric. You can't tell if that "navy blue" is actually a dark teal until it shows up on your porch.
The "Death Bed" Miracle and the Final Days
There was a brief moment in early 2025 where the Malone staff became local legends on Reddit and Facebook. People were sharing stories about how patient the employees were even as they were losing their jobs.
During the liquidation, the discounts were insane—up to 90% off. It was a bittersweet frenzy. People were stocking up on enough yarn to last through a decade of Adirondack winters. One local quilter told me she bought three entire bolts of neutral muslin just because she knew she’d never see those prices again.
But once the shelves were bare, that was it. The lease was up, the signs came down, and a massive part of Malone’s retail identity vanished.
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
Moving Forward Without Joann Fabric Malone NY
If you’re still mourning the loss of the store, you aren't alone. But there are ways to keep the craft alive in the 518.
First, check out local "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook. There is a massive amount of "destashing" happening in Malone right now. Older crafters are often looking to pass down their fabric stashes to younger makers.
Second, consider a "sewing circle" approach. Since we lost the classroom space at Joann, a few local groups have started meeting at libraries or community centers. It’s a great way to share tools—like that expensive Cricut or a heavy-duty serger—that not everyone can afford to own individually.
Actionable Steps for North Country Makers:
- Inventory your stash: Before you panic-buy online, see what you actually have. We all have that "bin of shame" filled with projects we forgot about.
- Support small shops in nearby towns: If you’re heading toward Saranac Lake or Plattsburgh, look for the tiny independent quilt shops. They are more expensive than Joann was, but the quality is lightyears ahead.
- Use swatches: If you must buy online, always pay the extra couple of bucks for a fabric swatch. It saves you from wasting $50 on a fabric that looks terrible in person.
The loss of Joann Fabric Malone NY definitely marks the end of an era for West Main Street. It’s a reminder that these "legacy" brands aren't invincible. But as long as there are people in the North Country with a sewing machine and a dream, the crafting scene isn't going anywhere—it's just moving into our living rooms and community halls.
Next Steps for You
- Audit Your Supplies: Take an afternoon to organize your current fabric and thread. Knowing exactly what you have will prevent overspending on shipping fees for online orders.
- Join a Local Group: Search for Malone-specific crafting or quilting groups on social media. Networking with neighbors is the best way to find out about local pop-up craft events or shared supply swaps.
- Plan Your Trips: If you're planning a trip to Plattsburgh or Burlington, make a "master list" of supplies you can't get at the Malone Walmart to make the drive worth the gas.