Joann shoppers can't use gift cards as stores close but can still file a claim. Here's how

The closure of every Joann store in the U.S. was particularly upsetting to customers with unused gift cards. That's because the company announced they would no longer be accepted at any store, even though they weren't yet closed.

The policy outraged customers as going-out-of-business sales continue and some argued there was little notice to redeem their store value.

Following the backlash the fabric and craft retailer's claims agent, Kroll, is now allowing people with gift cards to file claims before a deadline early next month. If a customer believes the company owes them a certain amount of money, they may file a claim through Kroll's website.

Gift card owners may file a claim electronically or submit a hard copy through the mail ahead of the deadline set by bankruptcy court.

How to submit Joann gift card claim electronically?

To file a claim electronically, creditors must enter their name and an email address through an online form and then sign an electronic proof of claim agreement, according to the website.

Users will receive further information through the portal. Anyone with additional questions is encouraged to call Kroll's restructuring hotline at 844-712-2239 or 646-863-7121 for international claims.

How to submit Joann gift card claim through mail?

Creditors wanting to submit a general claim to Joann via mail must first download the proof of claim form and submit to one of the following New York addresses.

For first class mail:

JOANN Inc. (2025) Claims Processing Centerc/o Kroll Restructuring Administration LLCGrand Central Station, PO Box 4850New York, NY 10163-4850

For hand delivery or overnight courier:

JOANN Inc. (2025) Claims Processing Centerc/o Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC850 3rd Avenue, Suite 412Brooklyn, NY 11232

When is the Joann general claims deadline?

The deadline to file a general claim through Joann's claims agent, Kroll, is Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Why are Joann's closing?

Joann's announced the closure of every store last month after previously only stating only around 500 of its 800 U.S. locations would shutter.

The mass closures come after the Hudson, Ohio-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time within a year and auctioned its remaining assets. On Feb. 22, retail liquidator GA Group and Joann's term lenders won the bidding for the company.

"Joann leadership, our board, advisors and legal partners made every possible effort to pursue a more favorable outcome that would keep the company in business," according to a company statement. "We are committed to working constructively with the winning bidder to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations that minimizes the impact on all our stakeholders."

When is Joann's last day?

Joann's announced that going-out-of-business sales commenced on Saturday, Feb. 15, though the closures of all the stores is expected to take months.

"Only inventory available on-site at those stores will be part of the closing sales," the company said in a news release.

• What Joann stores are closing in California?
• Here's a list of Joann stores closing in California, according to Chapter 11 bankruptcy documents.
• 2115 W Commonwealth Ave, Alhambra CA, 91803
• 3010 Ming Ave, Bakersfield CA, 93304
• 5885 Lincoln Avenue, Buena Park CA, 90620
• 2485 Notre Dame Blvd Ste 310, Chico CA, 95928
• 5545 Philadelphia St, Chino CA, 91710
• 5489 Sunrise Blvd, Citrus Heights CA, 95610
• 1675 B Willow Pass Road, Concord CA, 94520
• 2250 Griffin Way, Corona CA, 92879
• 245 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera CA, 94925
• 19765 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino CA, 95014
• 423 Westlake Center (Second Level), Daly City CA, 94015
• 7177 Amador Plaza Road, Dublin CA, 94568
• 300 El Cerrito Plz, El Cerrito CA, 94530
• 8509 Bond Road, Elk Grove CA, 95624
• 510 Harris St, Eureka CA, 95503
• 1010 East Bidwell Street, Folsom CA, 95630
• 26742 Portola Parkway, Foothill Ranch CA, 92610
• 8062 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno CA, 93720
• 3300 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Fullerton CA, 92831
• 1000 South Central Avenue, Glendale CA, 91204
• 2981 West Florida Avenue (Unit G1), Hemet CA, 92545
• 12779 Main Street, Hesperia CA, 92340
• 9901 Adams Ave, Huntington Beach CA, 92646
• 2170 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine CA, 92606
• 11 N State Highway 49-88, Jackson CA, 95642
• 2160 Foothill Blvd, La Canada CA, 91011
• 2086 Foothill Blvd Ste A, La Verne CA, 91750
• 5255 Lakewood Blvd, Lakewood CA, 90712
• 3588 Palo Verde Ave, Long Beach CA, 90808
• 2210 Daniels St, Manteca CA, 95337
• 225 Tennant Sta, Morgan Hill CA, 95037
• 19819 Rinaldi St, Northridge CA, 91326
• 2227 S El Camino Real Ste C, Oceanside CA, 92054
• 1411 N. Tustin Streets, Orange CA, 92867
• 2351 N Rose Ave, Oxnard CA, 93036
• 12313 Poway Rd, Poway CA, 92064
• 72765 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage CA, 92270
• 1175 Dana Drive, Redding CA, 96003
• 1625 W Lugonia Avenue, Redlands CA, 92374
• 308 Walnut St, Redwood City CA, 94063
• 3635 Riverside Plaza Dr. Ste.240, Riverside CA, 92506
• 425 Rohnert Park Expy W, Rohnert Park CA, 94928
• 3130 Arden Way, Sacramento CA, 95825
• 1425 N. Davis Road, Salinas CA, 93907
• 3633 Midway Dr, San Diego CA, 92110
• 699 Lewelling Blvd Suite 230, San Leandro CA, 94579
• 177 South Las Posas Road, San Marcos CA, 92078
• 1948 S El Camino Real, San Mateo CA, 94403
• 26583 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita CA, 91350
• 3620 Industrial Dr, Santa Rosa CA, 95403
• 13730 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks CA, 91423
• 2242 Tapo St, Simi Valley CA, 93063
• 1151 Sanguinetti Road, Sonora CA, 95370
• 10916-B Trinity Parkway, Stockton CA, 95219
• 40462 Winchester Rd, Temecula CA, 92591
• 21800 Hawthorne Blvd Ste 100, Torrance CA, 90503
• 2717 Countryside Drive, Turlock CA, 95380
• 2051 Harbison Dr, Vacaville CA, 95687
• 375 W Main St Ste E, Woodland CA, 95695
• 22914 W Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills CA, 91367
• 704 West Onstott Rd, Yuba City CA, 95991

Contributing: James Ward, Jonathan Limehouse and Patrick Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK