Michaels Acquires JOANN Intellectual Property and Private Label Brands

Michaels has finalized its acquisition of JOANN®’s intellectual property and private label brands, highlighting a move set to transform the crafts and creative retail landscape. This strategic purchase brings together two of the most recognized names in the industry, expanding Michaels’ reach in fabric, sewing, and yarn offerings and providing new opportunities for makers and hobbyists nationwide.

Expanding Creative Possibilities

With the acquisition, Michaels adds more than 600 products across categories including fabric, quilting, sewing supplies, sewing machines, and the popular Big Twist yarns to its portfolio. The company is already boosting its fabric selection in over 680 stores, with plans for 280 more locations this year, and expanding its online assortment to meet rising demand. Searches for fabric on Michaels.com have increased by 77% in the past year, reflecting the growing interest among customers (ABC7 News) (Chain Store Age).

 

Fabric

Searches for ‘fabric’ on Michaels.com have soared by 77% over the past year, prompting Michaels to invest heavily in this category. The company has increased its fabric assortment in over 680 stores, with plans to reach 280 more this year. Online, creators can now choose from more than 10,000 fabric options, from vibrant quilting cottons to versatile broadcloth for apparel and home décor.

 

Sewing

Interest in sewing is also on the rise, with searches up 39% on Michaels.com since last year. To meet this demand, Michaels is expanding its selection of customer-loved brands and introducing new Brother® and SINGER® sewing machines, over 50 new needle crafting kits from DMC® and Loops & Threads®, 10+ Pellon® stabilizers and interfacing, specialty scissors, and thread packs. The assortment is further enhanced with new products from Clover, FISKARS®, Coats & Clark™, and VELCRO®, and the addition of the best-selling Oliso® Smart Iron.

 

Yarn

Reflecting a resurgence in knitting, crocheting, and fiber arts, Michaels is expanding its yarn assortment by 25% this year. Shoppers will find over 60 new Loops & Threads offerings in stores and online, new and expanded collections from Red Heart®, Bernat®, and Lion Brand®, and 12+ new Amigurumi kits launching for the holiday season. Beloved JOANN brands—including Big Twist Value Plus, Big Twist Twinkle, Big Twist Posh, and Big Twist Baby Bear—are now being developed as part of the Michaels portfolio and will be available in stores and online later this year.

 

Leadership Perspectives

"We're honored to have the opportunity to welcome JOANN customers into our creative community and are committed to delivering the selection, value, and inspiration they are looking for at Michaels," said David Boone, Chief Executive Officer at Michaels. "

 

Industry Context and Customer Impact

JOANN, with roots dating back to a single Ohio storefront in 1943, became a go-to destination for generations of sewers, quilters, and crafters. After recent operational challenges and bankruptcy, the brand’s assets were acquired as part of a broader industry shift. Michaels’ move positions the company to capture the loyalty of former JOANN customers, who are now greeted with a dedicated landing page and curated product selection on Michaels.com.

Looking Ahead

The integration of JOANN’s brands into the Michaels portfolio is expected to drive innovation and deliver a broader, richer selection for the creative community. With more than 1,300 stores across North America and a growing online presence, Michaels is poised to remain the leading destination for creativity and celebration.