Walk into the JOANN on Bloomington Street right now and the vibe is... different. It's not the same hushed, rhythmic sound of scissors gliding through cotton that we grew up with. Instead, there’s a bit of a frantic energy. If you've lived in the Springs for a while, you know this spot. It’s been the North-side reliable for everything from last-minute school dioramas to that heavy-duty upholstery fabric you swore you'd turn into a headboard three years ago.
But things have changed. Big time.
Honestly, the news about JOANN Fabrics and Crafts Colorado Springs CO has been a roller coaster. If you haven't been keeping up with the business wires, the company hit some massive financial walls recently. We’re talking double bankruptcy filings in under a year. By the time 2025 rolled around, the "everything must go" signs started hitting windows across the country, including our local spots.
What happened to the Bloomington Street store?
The location at 3795 Bloomington St has been the heart of the crafting scene here for ages. It’s a huge "Large Format" store—about 35,000 square feet of stuff. For a long time, it was the only place you could find that specific shade of "Agate" Kona cotton without driving up to Castle Rock.
People are still showing up, but they aren't finding the pristine aisles of 2019. Reports from locals describe a bit of a "Wild West" atmosphere. One day the cut counter has a line winding back to the fleece solids; the next, it’s a ghost town because they’re out of basic notions.
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The staff? They're tired. Can you blame them? They've been through a corporate liquidation process that turned their workplace into a clearance center. If you go, be nice. Seriously. They’re dealing with "going out of business" crowds and a POS system that sometimes feels like it’s running on dial-up.
The reality of the inventory
You've probably seen the "70% off" signs. They’re real, but the catch is what’s actually on the shelves.
- The Fabric Situation: The high-end apparel fabrics and designer quilting collections were the first to fly off the bolts. What’s left is a lot of seasonal leftovers—think Christmas gnomes in July—and a surprising amount of utility interfacing.
- Yarn and Notions: The yarn aisles are hit or miss. If you’re looking for a specific dye lot of Lion Brand, you’re probably out of luck. However, if you just need "some yarn" for a beginner project, there are still deals to be had.
- Technology: Cricut and Siser supplies are mostly picked over. Those are high-value items that professional "side-hustle" crafters snagged the moment the discounts hit 30%.
Why this loss actually hurts the Springs
Colorado Springs isn't just a military town; it’s a maker town. We have a massive community of quilters, cosplayers, and DIY home renovators. Losing a major hub like JOANN isn't just about losing a place to buy thread. It’s about losing that specific tactile experience.
You can’t feel the "drape" of a rayon blend through a phone screen. You can’t tell if a faux fur is going to itch just by looking at an Amazon listing. That’s what we’re losing.
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And don't even get me started on the classes. For years, the Bloomington location was where people learned to use a serger without crying. Those community tables saw a lot of first-time "I made this!" moments.
Where do we go from here?
With JOANN Fabrics and Crafts Colorado Springs CO winding down its physical presence, the local community is scrambling. If you’re staring at a half-finished quilt and panicking, you aren't alone.
- Mill Outlet Fabric Shop: This is the local "if you know, you know" spot on North Prospect Street. It’s been around since 1965. They don't have the "big box" glitter of JOANN, but for high-quality fabrics and actual expert advice, they are the gold standard in the Springs.
- The Michaels/Hobby Lobby Pivot: Look, they’re fine for basic crafts. But if you’re a serious sewist, you know their fabric selection is... limited. Michaels has tried to pick up the slack by stocking more "JOANN-style" yarns like Loops & Threads, but it’s not a 1:1 replacement.
- Creative Reuse Centers: Keep an eye on places like Remainders. These "thrift stores for crafters" are becoming the new hubs for sustainable making. You can find vintage buttons and weird fabric scraps for pennies, and it keeps stuff out of the landfill.
Survival tips for your last JOANN run
If you’re planning one last trek to the Bloomington store before the doors lock for good, go in with a plan.
First, check the hours. Even if Google says they're open until 9 PM, liquidation hours can be unpredictable. Sometimes they close early to restock or just because they’re understaffed.
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Second, bring your own bags. Many stores stopped ordering plastic bags months ago. Don't be the person trying to carry four bolts of fleece and a bag of poly-fill to your car in your arms.
Third, and this is the big one: Check your receipts. With everything being "final sale," there are no do-overs. If the price on the shelf says 60% off but it rings up at full price, catch it before you swipe that card. Once you leave those doors, that money is gone.
It’s the end of an era for big-box crafting in the 719. It sucks, honestly. But the creativity in this city didn't come from a corporate storefront; it came from the people. We'll just have to find new places to get our hands messy.
What to do right now
- Audit your stash: Check what projects you have in progress. If you need a specific matching thread or zipper, go get it now. Don't wait for the 90% off sale because the essentials will be gone.
- Support the locals: Head over to Mill Outlet or a local quilt shop like High Country Quilts. They’re going to be the backbone of the community now, and they need the business more than ever.
- Join a local group: Find a Springs-based "Stitch and Bitch" or a Facebook crafting group. When the big stores go away, the "where do I find..." knowledge stays alive in the community.