Joann Fabrics closing 500 stores nationwide, including Mason City location

MASON CITY — Joann Fabrics announced on Wednesday they were closing around 500 of their 850 stores nationwide, including their store in Mason City, after recently filing for bankruptcy.

The retailer is filing for bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year after initially filing and then going private in March of last year. Joann’s statement says it was a very difficult decision to make given the major impact they know it will have on their employees, customers and all the communities they serve.

Besides their Mason City store, other stores in Iowa earmarked for closure include in Ames, Ankeny, Council Bluffs, Iowa City, and Muscatine.