If you’ve driven past the old spot at 172 East University Parkway lately, you’ve probably noticed the lights are out. It’s a weird sight. For years, Joann Fabrics Orem Utah was basically the heartbeat of the local DIY scene. You couldn't start a Halloween costume or a Sunday morning quilting project without a trip to that specific storefront. Now? It's just an empty shell.
It happened fast. One minute people were arguing over the last bolt of fleece, and the next, the "Going Out of Business" signs were plastered across the windows. Honestly, it’s a bummer for the Utah County crafting community.
🔗 Read more: Can You Reuse a K-Cup? Why Most People Are Doing It Wrong
The Reality of Why Joann Fabrics Orem Utah Is Gone
Look, the retail world is brutal right now. You might have heard whispers about bankruptcy, and yeah, that’s exactly what happened. Joann Inc. actually filed for Chapter 11 twice in a very short window. They tried to restructure. They tried to stay afloat. But by early 2025, the writing was on the wall. The company ended up being sold to the GA Group and a bunch of lenders who decided that liquidating everything was the only way to settle the debts.
Every single store across the country, including our Orem location, shut down permanently by May 31, 2025.
It wasn't just a local Orem problem. The whole chain was suffocating under a mountain of debt—we're talking over $600 million. Combine that with the fact that everyone is buying their thread on Amazon or Temu these days, and the math just didn't work anymore. The Orem store, specifically, was nestled in a prime spot near the University Mall area, but high foot traffic doesn't always equal high margins when people are just coming in to feel the fabric and then ordering the cheaper version on their phones.
What happened to the inventory?
When the liquidation started, it was a feeding frenzy.
- 70% to 90% off deals became the norm.
- Display racks and cutting tables were sold off to local small businesses.
- By the final week, the shelves were literal skeletons.
If you had a gift card and didn't spend it by February 2025, you're likely out of luck. Those became worthless pretty quickly once the liquidation process hit its final stages.
Where Orem Crafters Are Heading Instead
So, what now? You can't just stop sewing because one store died. Luckily, Orem isn't exactly a desert for craft supplies, though losing Joann definitely left a hole in the "apparel fabric" category.
Michaels is the big winner here. They actually swooped in and bought a lot of Joann’s private-label brands. If you were a die-hard fan of certain Joann-exclusive yarns or fabrics, there’s a decent chance you’ll find them rebranded or tucked away in the aisles of the Michaels at 130 E University Pkwy. They’ve been aggressively expanding their fabric-by-the-yard section to catch all the "orphaned" sewists in the area.
💡 You might also like: The Real Story of Planning a Madison Hotel NJ Wedding (And Why the Conservatory Is So Addictive)
Then there’s Hobby Lobby just down the street at 360 West University Parkway. They have a massive selection, obviously. But let’s be real: their vibe is very different. If you’re looking for specific garment-making tools or high-end quilting cottons, it can be hit or miss compared to what Joann used to offer.
Local Gems for the Hardcore Makers
If you’re tired of the big-box drama, Orem has a few spots that most people overlook:
- Artist Corner (380 S Orem Blvd): This place is incredible for fine arts. If you were going to Joann for paints or canvases, skip the corporate stuff and go here. They have a 4.7-star rating for a reason—the staff actually knows what they’re talking about.
- Quilting Shops: For the quilters who feel lost without the Joann wall of cotton, there are several dedicated quilt shops within a 10-mile radius of Orem that offer much higher quality (though pricier) fabrics.
Why This Hit Orem So Hard
Orem is a unique market. Between the BYU and UVU students looking for cheap costume materials and the massive population of "Provo-style" DIY influencers and homemakers, the demand for a physical fabric store is huge here.
People in Utah County don't just "craft"—they produce.
Losing the ability to touch a fabric before buying it is a massive hurdle. You can’t tell the drape of a rayon or the "itch factor" of a wool blend through a computer screen. This is why you saw so many locals on Facebook and Reddit mourning the Orem location. It was more than a store; it was a resource where you could get questions answered at the cutting counter (even if the line was sometimes an hour long).
✨ Don't miss: Why Supreme x Timberland Boots Still Rule the Streets After 20 Years
Moving Forward Without the Big Green Sign
If you're still sitting on a half-finished project that required a specific Joann brand, your first move should be checking the Michaels website. Since they acquired the intellectual property of several Joann lines, they are your best bet for a "match."
Alternatively, if you're looking for that specific community feel, start looking into local sewing circles or classes at the Orem Public Library. The "store" might be gone, but the people who shopped there are still around.
Next Steps for Local Crafters:
- Check your stash: If you have Joann-branded patterns (like Simplicity or Butterick, which they heavily stocked), keep them. Physical patterns are becoming harder to find in person.
- Visit Artist Corner: Support the local guys at 380 S Orem Blvd for your non-fabric needs.
- Scout the "New" Michaels: Head over to the Family Center at Orem and see their expanded fabric section; it's not the same, but it's the closest we've got left.
- Update your bookmarks: If you still have the Joann app on your phone, you might as well delete it. It’s mostly dead weight now that the physical Orem presence has vanished.
- Explore Spanish Fork or Draper: If you're truly desperate for a big-box experience that isn't Hobby Lobby or Michaels, you'll have to drive. But honestly? The era of the dedicated "super-fabric store" in Utah County has fundamentally changed.