If you’ve lived in Bay County long enough, you know the drill. You need three yards of anti-pill fleece or a specific shade of DMC embroidery floss, and your brain immediately pings the same location: 413 East 23rd Street. Joanns Panama City FL has been the reliable, slightly cluttered, fabric-scented North Star for local makers for decades. But honestly, walking into that store lately feels different. The vibe has shifted from a bustling "maker’s paradise" to something a bit more uncertain, and if you're looking for the lowdown on what's actually happening behind those sliding glass doors in 2026, you've come to the right place.
There's a lot of noise online. People are talking about bankruptcies, store closures, and "going out of business" signs that seem to pop up and then vanish. It’s confusing. You’ve probably seen the headlines. You might have even driven by and wondered if the lights were still on. Let’s set the record straight: the Panama City location has survived a lot—from the sheer devastation of Hurricane Michael to the corporate roller coaster that has seen the Joann brand file for Chapter 11 not once, but twice in the last couple of years.
The Reality of Shopping at Joanns Panama City FL Today
Walking into the Panama City store right now is a bit of a gamble. Some days, the shelves are packed with those vibrant seasonal floral prints we all love for spring wreaths. Other days? It looks like a ghost town in the Cricut aisle. This isn't just a local fluke; it’s a symptom of the broader inventory struggles that have plagued the company.
For the folks in Lynn Haven, Callaway, or out on the Beach, this is basically the only game in town for high-end quilting cottons or specific upholstery foam. Sure, we have Hobby Lobby and Michaels nearby, but they don't have the cutting counter. And that cutting counter is the heart and soul of the experience. You know the feeling—standing there with your heavy bolts, waiting for that one employee who is clearly doing the job of three people to finally call your number. It’s a test of patience, but for most of us, it’s a ritual.
Why the Panama City Location is "Different"
Most people don't realize that the Panama City Joann occupies a pretty massive 20,579-square-foot space. That is a lot of square footage to climate control and stock. Unlike the newer "concept stores" you see in bigger cities like Columbus or Orlando, our store has that classic, slightly nostalgic feel. It’s a "Class C" building, which basically means it's an older, established structure that’s seen its fair share of Florida humidity and wear.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the store usually offers:
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- The Fabric Wall: Everything from utility canvas to delicate apparel silks.
- The Tech Corner: Sewing machines (Singers and Brothers) and those pricey laser cutters.
- Home Decor: A surprisingly large section for seasonal porch signs and fake lemons.
- The Rewards Hub: Where you desperately try to get the app to load so you can use that 40% off one regular-priced item coupon.
Honestly, the staff in Panama City are some of the hardest-working people in retail. They’ve dealt with power outages, roof leaks after the 2018 storm, and now, the constant questions about whether the store is closing. When you’re there, be kind. They’re often juggling the register, the cutting counter, and helping someone find a specific size of knitting needle all at once.
What Really Happened With the Bankruptcy Rumors?
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. In early 2025, Joann (the corporation) went through a massive restructuring. They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to shed some of their debt. For a while there, it looked like the end. The news was full of "store closing" lists, and Florida was hit hard. About 36 locations across the Sunshine State were slated for the chopping block, including spots in Jacksonville, Miami, and even nearby Fort Walton Beach.
But here is the twist: Joanns Panama City FL wasn't on the initial hit list.
While other towns were losing their sewing hubs, Panama City’s location held on. Why? Likely because of its "national co-tenancy." Being nestled near heavy hitters like Ross, Bealls, and Burlington on 23rd Street makes it a high-traffic destination. It’s part of a retail ecosystem that still draws people in, even when the economy is acting weird.
However, the "For Lease" signs that occasionally pop up on commercial real estate sites for 413 E 23rd St are real. Landlords often list properties even while a tenant is still there, just in case the lease doesn't renew. It’s a business move, not necessarily a "closed" sign. As of early 2026, the store is still standing, though the "underperforming" label is a tag the corporate office uses for many of these older locations.
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The Competition: Why Michaels is Creeping In
You might have noticed something strange lately. Some Joann private-label brands—like their exclusive fabrics or specific yarn lines—have started showing up at Michaels. This isn't a mistake. As part of the liquidation of certain Joann assets, Michaels actually bought up some of that intellectual property.
It’s a "store within a store" concept that is gaining steam. If you can’t find your favorite "Big Twist" yarn at the Panama City Joann, you might actually find it down the road at Michaels soon. It's a weird time to be a crafter, for sure.
Survival Tips for the 23rd Street Shopper
If you're planning a trip to Joanns Panama City FL, you need a strategy. This isn't Target; you can't just wander in and expect everything to be 100% organized.
- Check the App BEFORE you get to the store. The cell service inside that building can be spotty. Screenshot your coupons while you're in the parking lot. There is nothing worse than being at the register with a line of five people behind you and the app is just spinning.
- Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Avoid the Saturday rush. The staff is less stressed, and the cutting line is usually non-existent.
- Bring a sample. If you’re trying to match a thread or a fabric, don't trust your memory. The lighting in the store is that classic yellow-tinted fluorescent, which can make a "navy" look "black" until you get it out into the Florida sun.
- Be Realistic About Stock. If the website says there is 1 yard left in stock, assume there is 0 yards left. Inventory counts in physical stores are notoriously laggy.
Is the Panama City Store Closing Soon?
The honest answer? It’s a "wait and see" situation. The company emerged from its latest bankruptcy as a private entity, which means they don't have to report every little detail to the public anymore. They are focusing on "optimization." In corporate-speak, that means they are watching the numbers at 413 E 23rd St very closely.
If the local community keeps showing up—buying the yarn, getting the fabric cut, and picking up the random seasonal gnomes—the store has a much better chance of surviving. It’s a classic "use it or lose it" scenario.
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The Cultural Impact of a Craft Store in Bay County
It sounds a bit dramatic, but Joanns Panama City FL is more than just a retail space. It’s where the local quilting guilds meet up (informally) in the aisles. It’s where parents go at 8:00 PM on a Sunday because their kid just remembered they have a poster board project due Monday morning.
After Hurricane Michael, when so much of our local infrastructure was gone, these "normal" stores became symbols of recovery. Seeing the Joann sign lit up again was a small sign that things were getting back to some version of okay. That’s why the community gets so protective (and sometimes frustrated) with the store. We need it.
Actionable Steps for Local Makers
Don't let the corporate drama discourage you from your projects. If you need supplies, here is the best way to handle your next visit to Joanns Panama City FL:
- Verify Hours: They generally run 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, but Sunday hours are shorter (usually 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Always call (850-785-1299) if you're driving in from somewhere like Port St. Joe or Ebro.
- Use the "Pick Up In Store" Feature: This is the best way to ensure the item is actually there. If they can’t find it, they’ll cancel the order, and you’ll know before you burn the gas.
- Join the Rewards Program: The "Smiles" program actually does give you decent cash-back rewards if you spend enough. If you’re a pro crafter or run an Etsy shop, it’s a no-brainer.
- Support Local Alternatives: If Joann is out of what you need, check out the smaller quilt shops in the area or even the local thrift stores for "destash" fabric.
The landscape of retail is changing fast, and the future of big-box craft stores is definitely up in the air. But for now, the Panama City location is still our go-to spot for that specific, tactile experience of feeling a fabric before you buy it. Keep creating, keep crafting, and maybe give the person at the cutting counter a smile—they probably need it.