Walking into the Joann store at 7609 Rogers Avenue used to feel like stepping into a high-stakes treasure hunt. One minute you’re looking for a specific shade of teal thread, and forty-five minutes later, you’re lugging three bolts of "intergalactic" flannel and a discounted glue gun toward the checkout. It was a staple. For the local makers in Fort Smith, it wasn't just a shop; it was the place where Halloween costumes were born and where that one specific quilt for Grandma actually became a reality.
But things have changed. If you’ve driven past the Fort Smith Marketplace lately and noticed the empty parking lot or the lack of neon green signage, there’s a reason for that. Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer.
👉 See also: Reliance Industries Share Price: Why the New Year Slump Might Be a Bait
What Actually Happened to Joanns Fort Smith AR?
Basically, the Joanns Fort Smith AR location officially closed its doors on April 28, 2025. This wasn't just some random local decision, though. It was part of a massive, nationwide collapse that saw the 82-year-old retailer shutter all 800 of its locations across the United States.
You might remember hearing about a bankruptcy filing back in 2024. People thought they had "emerged" from that, but by early 2025, the company filed for Chapter 11 again. It was the second time in less than a year. Talk about a rough streak.
The buyer group that eventually took over—GA Group—didn't see a path forward for keeping the lights on. They moved straight into liquidation mode. In Fort Smith, the "going out of business" signs started popping up in February 2025, and by the end of April, the shelves were bare.
The Reality of Shopping at the Rogers Ave Location
Before the end, the Fort Smith store had a very specific vibe. It was located right there in the heart of the Rogers Avenue retail corridor, nestled near the Walmart Supercenter and other big-box staples.
Customer reviews were always a bit of a rollercoaster. Some people swore by the "cut counter" staff, praising their patience when someone showed up with twelve different fabrics for a complicated cosplay. Others? Not so much. There were constant complaints about understaffing. You’ve probably been there—standing in a line that snakes halfway to the yarn aisle while only one register is open.
- The Inventory Issue: Toward the end, the "out of stock" plague was real. You’d check the app, it would say there were five yards of a specific cotton print in Fort Smith, and you’d drive down there only to find an empty peg.
- The Online Pickup Gamble: Ordering online for in-store pickup became a total coin toss. Half the time, the order would get cancelled because the system didn't talk to the actual shelves.
It wasn’t just a Fort Smith problem, either. The whole corporation was struggling with $615 million in debt. When you owe that much money to suppliers, they stop sending the good stuff. That’s why the yarn selection started looking a bit thin and the "new" seasonal decor felt like stuff from three years ago.
Where Fort Smith Crafters Go Now
With Joanns Fort Smith AR gone, the local crafting landscape has a massive hole in it. You can't just pop in for a zipper anymore. If you're looking for alternatives, the options are kinda scattered.
For basic supplies, Hobby Lobby remains the giant in the room, though their fabric selection has always been a bit different—more home decor and quilting, less apparel and utility. Then there’s Michael’s, which is great for the "craft" side (think beads, frames, and Cricut vinyl) but notoriously light on actual fabric by the yard.
A lot of the "hardcore" sewers in the River Valley have started migrating toward local independent shops or driving up to Northwest Arkansas for more specialized boutiques. Honestly, a lot of people have just given up and gone full-time with online retailers like Missouri Star Quilt Co. or https://www.google.com/search?q=Fabric.com, even though you can't feel the "hand" of the fabric through a screen.
Actionable Steps for Former Joann Shoppers
If you still have lingering ties to the brand or are looking for ways to fill the gap, here is what you need to know right now.
1. Forget the Gift Cards and Rewards
The deadline for using Joann gift cards passed on February 28, 2025. If you find one tucked in a drawer now, it’s basically a souvenir. The same goes for "Joann Smiles" rewards. They are defunct. Do not try to sell them on eBay; they won't work.
2. Check the "Zombie" Online Sales
While the physical store in Fort Smith is gone, the liquidation group sometimes runs clearance events for remaining warehouse stock through the official website. Just be warned: shipping times are legendary (and not in a good way), and the customer service is practically non-existent at this stage.
🔗 Read more: 100 Wealthiest People in America: What Most People Get Wrong
3. Explore Local Alternatives in the River Valley
Instead of mourning the big box, look for smaller quilt shops in the surrounding area like Van Buren or Alma. They might be pricier, but the quality of the cotton is usually three steps above what Joann was carrying in its final days.
4. Update Your App
If you still have the Joann app on your phone, delete it. It’s just taking up space and might still send you notifications for sales that don't exist in our zip code.
The loss of Joanns Fort Smith AR marks the end of an era for the local Rogers Ave shopping circuit. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names in retail aren't safe when the "online vs. brick-and-mortar" battle gets this lopsided. For now, the best bet is to support the smaller local shops that are still standing or get comfortable with ordering your batting and thread in bulk online.