The neon signs are dark. If you’ve driven past 2130 E Markland Ave lately, you already know the vibe has shifted. For decades, Joann Fabrics Kokomo Indiana was the heartbeat of the local "maker" community. Whether you were a grandmother quilting a legacy for a newborn or a frantic parent trying to hot-glue a last-minute Halloween costume together, that store was the destination.
But it's gone.
Honestly, it feels weird. You walk into that shopping center now and the massive storefront—the one that used to be packed with bolts of flannel and aisles of Cricut accessories—is just a shell. The closure didn't happen in a vacuum, though. It was part of a messy, nationwide collapse that saw one of America’s most iconic craft retailers vanish from the physical landscape by mid-2025.
What Actually Happened to Joann Fabrics Kokomo Indiana?
A lot of people in Howard County were caught off guard. One day there were "Going Out of Business" banners draped over the entrance, and a few months later, the doors were locked for good. The Kokomo location officially shuttered its doors as part of the final wave of closures that concluded on May 31, 2025.
🔗 Read more: USD to UZS Rate Today: What Most People Get Wrong
It wasn't just a "Kokomo problem." The parent company, Jo-Ann Stores, had been white-knuckling its way through financial turbulence for years. They actually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice in a very short window. The first time was in early 2024. They emerged, tried to pivot, but the debt was just too heavy. By January 2025, they were back in court.
Basically, the company couldn't find a buyer who wanted to keep the lights on. A group called GA Group eventually stepped in, but they weren't interested in selling glitter and yarn; they were there to liquidate the assets.
Why the store couldn't survive
- The "Amazon Effect" on steroids: People started buying their embroidery hoops and upholstery needles online for half the price.
- Inventory Ghost Towns: Toward the end, customers in Kokomo noticed the shelves were getting thin. If you can't find the thread you need, you stop going.
- Debt Loads: The corporate side was carrying billions in debt from previous private equity deals. No amount of 40% off coupons can fix a billion-dollar hole.
The Local Impact: Where Do Kokomo Crafters Go Now?
Losing the Markland Avenue location left a massive void. Joann wasn't just a store; it was where people went for advice. You’ve probably stood at that cutting counter at least once, debating with a staff member about whether $22/yard was worth it for "premium" cotton.
💡 You might also like: PDI Stock Price Today: What Most People Get Wrong About This 14% Yield
The closure forced a lot of locals to change their habits overnight. If you're looking for where to go now, the landscape is... different.
Hobby Lobby (1805 E Markland Ave) is the most obvious "big box" alternative. It’s right down the street, which is convenient, but as any seasoned crafter knows, their fabric selection is a different beast entirely. They have plenty of home decor and seasonal items, but for specific apparel fabrics or high-end quilting supplies, it’s not always a 1:1 replacement.
Then you have the local gems. Khadija Yarn Shop over on S Lafountain St has become a bit of a sanctuary for the fiber arts crowd. It’s small, but the owner actually knows her stuff. It’s that old-school "touch and feel" experience that you just can't get from a website.
📖 Related: Getting a Mortgage on a 300k Home Without Overpaying
For the embroidery and garment crowd, The Stitchery Garden on S 00EW is still holding it down. They focus more on the service side—think custom embroidery and printing—but they represent that "small business" spirit that Kokomo is trying to lean into now that the big chains are bailing.
The "Michaels" Twist
In a weird bit of corporate irony, Michaels actually swooped in and bought a bunch of Joann's intellectual property. If you're missing specific Joann private-label brands (like Big Twist yarn or certain fabric lines), you might actually see them popping up at Michaels locations. The closest Michaels for Kokomo residents involves a bit of a trek to places like Westfield or Lafayette, but for some, the specific brand loyalty is worth the gas money.
Actionable Steps for Former Joann Shoppers
If you’re still holding onto a physical Joann gift card or have a mountain of "Joann Smiles" points, here is the cold, hard reality: They are likely worthless now. Most of those programs were terminated during the liquidation phase in early 2025.
Here is what you should do instead:
- Check Local Quilt Shops: If you’re a quilter, look toward smaller shops in Tipton or Logansport. They often have higher quality "quilt shop" grade cotton that Joann didn't even carry.
- Support the "Little Guys": Visit places like Khadija Yarn Shop. These independent stores are the only reason we still have physical places to see colors in person.
- Audit Your Stash: Most of us have a "SABLE" (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy). Now is the time to actually use what you bought from the Kokomo Joann over the last decade.
- Watch the Markland Real Estate: That 2130 E Markland Ave spot won't stay empty forever. In a town like Kokomo, these big retail spaces usually end up as discount stores (think Ross or Burlington) or even medical annexes.
The era of Joann Fabrics Kokomo Indiana is officially over, but the community of people who make things with their hands isn't going anywhere. It’s just going to require a little more driving and a lot more support for the local shops that are still standing.