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Joann ends Gift Card use before closing 800 locations—Here’s why customers are angry

Joann’s decision to stop accepting gift cards amid the closure of all 800 locations has sparked intense customer outrage. Shoppers are upset that they can no longer use their gift cards during the ongoing liquidation sales.

Joann’s decision to halt gift card acceptance during store closures has caused significant backlash.  Photo: GLR News Composition/Better Home and Gardens/Optik Teske.
Joann’s decision to halt gift card acceptance during store closures has caused significant backlash. Photo: GLR News Composition/Better Home and Gardens/Optik Teske.

Joann, a popular craft store chain, has faced backlash from customers after announcing the closure of all its 800 locations. While liquidation sales are still ongoing, the company has stopped accepting gift cards, which has sparked anger among shoppers. Many customers are frustrated by the decision, especially as they had hoped to use their gift cards before the stores shut down.

In a March 3 Instagram post encouraging customers to shop before all the stores close, one customer commented that they were upset at the chain for cutting off gift cards with a little notification. "I just want you to know how incredibly upsetting it is that you cut off our ability to use gift cards," another user commented. "Regardless of the fact that you are closing, your business took money and now refuses to give the product in exchange for it. Wrong."

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Anger grows as Joann ends gift card use

The store closures have sparked widespread concern about the impact on employees and local communities. With liquidation sales continuing, some customers are still hoping to redeem their gift cards, but the store’s refusal to accept them has led to a deep sense of frustration. Social media is abuzz with negative comments about the company’s handling of the closure process.

The decision to cut off gift card use is not just a matter of inconvenience but also a sign of how the company is managing its exit strategy. For many loyal customers, it feels like a final slap in the face. The ongoing sales may continue for a while, but for those with gift cards, the anger is unlikely to subside anytime soon.

Joann faces customer backlash

Joann’s decision to cease accepting gift cards before closing its stores has created a wave of customer outrage. After the announcement of all 800 store closures, shoppers who had planned to use their gift cards now face frustration. As mentioned, the company has continued with liquidation sales, but for many customers, this has come as a major disappointment.

Joann, known for its wide selection of craft supplies and materials, had already been facing challenges in the retail industry before its closure announcement. The decision to halt gift card usage has only intensified the situation, leaving many loyal customers feeling betrayed. As the stores move toward their final days, the anger over this policy change has fueled online protests and customer complaints. Some are calling for Joann to reverse the decision or offer an alternative solution.