JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts across river not shutting down, manager insists

“Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” said author Mark Twain, when he heard word of his demise. KC Clark says the same about rumours flying around social media concerning the imminent closing of the JoAnn Fabric and Crafts store she manages in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

“No decision like that has been made. It’s just not happening,” Clark told SooLeader, a sister site of SooToday, as about 20 customers milled about the store Friday afternoon.

“Like most companies, JoAnn is constantly analyzing traffic and sales numbers,” said Clark, while showing a new employee how to cut sections from a bolt of fabric. “Like many businesses in the area, the closing of the border really hit our Canadian traffic. But that’s slowly creeping back up.”

Clark said that many customers — her mother included — had read on Facebook that the operation would close its doors in December, likely after the holiday season.

“That’s just not true,” she insisted.

JoAnn Fabrics has been in the U.S. Sault for about 30 years, and in its present location at Cascade Crossing, adjacent to I-75, for nine years. Clark says her store employs two full-time and up to 15 part-time employees.

The Sault is the last outlet for JoAnn in the Upper Peninsula. Marquette and Escanaba are former locations. According to the corporate website, JoAnn operates about 850 stores in 49 states.

“Everyone who works here loves this store,” said Clark. “Our customers love this store, too. Keep coming in to support us.”