Joann Fabrics may be going out of business, but that hasn’t stopped customers from complaining about the company’s practices.
The craft retailer, which already closed 800 stores across the U.S. in February, has consumers angered by the terms and conditions of their going-out-of-business sales.
“I just want you to know how incredibly upsetting it is that you cut off our ability to use gift cards,” one user wrote in the Instagram comment section of a March 3 post, which advertises “up to 40% off” of everything.
“Regardless of the fact that you are closing, your business took money and now refuses to give the product in exchange for it. Wrong,” the person concluded.
In a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) shared by the company, Joann Fabrics said, “All JOANN stores will be accepting gift cards through February 28.”
“It’s disgusting. I just found out myself,” a person said in response to the original Instagram comment.
“I guess my $100 went to…?? Liquidators? Like they’re not making money back at this point, honor my gift card. Also Quietly deciding this was BS,” they said, also sympathizing with the workers who will have to deal with angry customers in-person. “Shame on them for their store employees having to tell customers this also.”
A separate comment from another person read, “So upset you cut off gift cards so quickly and with little notification.”
According to the FAQs page, “The sale is expected to last for approximately 12 weeks, until the end of May, or until supplies last.”
The company also added that “leadership, our Board, advisors and legal partners made every possible effort to pursue a more favorable outcome that would keep [Joann Fabrics] in business.”
Products can be viewed on their mobile app, but must be purchased in-store, as the option to make purchases online is no longer available.
The stores have also stopped accepting returns.
Additionally, those who previously received certain discounts, such as “Girl Scouts, Teachers, Military and Healthcare” workers have had their benefits paused.
In January, Joann Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year.
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Retail liquidator GA Group was announced as the new buyers for the closing company.
“Time is of the essence,” lawyers for Joann Fabrics previously said. “The Debtors face significant liquidity constraints which are best addressed through a swift but robust marketing and sale process.”
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