Future of Joann Fabric and Crafts Unknown

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The future is uncertain for Joann Fabric and Crafts and the store that's been in the Dalton Avenue Shopping Center for more than 30 years.
 
The well-known national retailer that has served sewers, quilters, crocheters, and crafters for more than 80 years filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week for a second time. 
 
The approximately 800 stores across the United States and online businesses are still operational, including one on Dalton Avenue and in Hadley. There are also several in New York State's Capital District and it also had a store in North Adams in the 1990s. The chain was better known as Jo-Ann's for decades.
 
"Since becoming a private company in April, the board and management team have continued to execute on top and bottom-line initiatives to manage costs and drive value," said Michael Prendergast, Jo-Ann's interim CEO, in a press release. 
 
"However, the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail
environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels, forced us to take this step." 
 
Prendergast said this course of action was determined to maximize the business's value after reviewing all the available strategic paths.
 
"We hope that this process enables us to find a path that would allow Jo-Ann to continue operating as a going concern," he said in the press release. 
 
The business has a "stalking horse" bidder, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC, which sets the floor for the auction process. 
 
Gordon Brothers has indicated an intention to liquidate the company by having going-out-of-business sales at all store locations. 
 
According to a Customer Frequently Asked Questions form, Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts continues to actively solicit alternate bids and has received inquiries from parties potentially interested in continuing to operate Joann stores and online businesses. 
 
Last year, the company filed for Chapter 11 to address its capital structure. 
 
However, following this restructuring last year, it continued to "experience significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment."
 
These challenges, coupled with its "financial position and constrained inventory levels," "forced" officials to take this step. 
 
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Companion Corner: Cookie at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's an adventurous cat at No Paws Left Behind looking for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Cookie is a six year old grey and white domestic shorthair who has been at the shelter for a couple of months.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him.

"He came in, actually, with a couple other cats. It was just due to having too many cats in a house, and he came in with, we believe he might be like the father to the others. The others all were adopted over the last couple weeks, so he's the last one still here."

Cookie is a very friendly cat and he is always interested in the other cats to play or hang out. He can do well with other animals and any age but don't let his age fool you as he is still very active and very outgoing.

"He does well with other cats, he would do fine with being at home with dogs, kids. I know, like some people like seeing, a six year old cat you would think he may be not as active, but he is very active, outgoing, vocal. So, I think if you were somebody that was looking for a cat that was active and had a personality that I feel like he'd greet you at the door. He lets you know when he wants food. Really, he can go home with anything, as long as you want a cat that will let you know he's there, he'd be great."

He is quite adventurous as well. He enjoys climbing and exploring around his space. While he may be a bit shy to newcomers at first once he gets to know you he will talk to you and want to play.

"He likes to explore up high, so I think if you had a tall cat tower or windows for him to explore, he would love that, because he always is trying to get up high and get on the cabinets to see what's up there. There's not much he doesn't like, and then he can be a little like shy at first with new people, where he'll kind of go up to you and then walk away, but once he trusts you and is used to you, he's the easiest going social cat," she said.

Cookie does have a bit of a sensitive stomach and would be better if he has certain foods.

"We've tried a lamb or turkey food, and he's had a sensitivity to that, so we've been having him on just salmon and rice food, and he's been perfectly fine, no issues. So, otherwise, aside from the sensitivity, he's perfectly healthy and normal."

Cookie is waiting to be your next family member, if you want someone to talk to and lounge around with this is your boy.

"I really just think if you're looking for a social cat, he's going to be a great companion for somebody. I don't think it matters if you're… it doesn't matter your age. I think he would be happy to just have somebody keep him company and give him attention," she said.

If you think Cookie is your next companion be sure to fill out the form on their website and email or drop it off to No Paws Left Behind today.

 
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