“Reports of my death are grossly exaggerated,” said author Mark Twain when he heard word of his demise. KC Clark says the same about rumors flying around social media concerning the imminent closing of the JoAnn Fabric and Crafts store she manages in Sault Ste. Marie.
“No decision like that has been made. It’s just not happening,” she told SooLeader, as about 20 customers milled about the store Friday afternoon. Clark was showing a new employee how to cut sections from a bolt of fabric.
“Like most companies, JoAnn is constantly analyzing traffic and sales numbers,” she said. “Like many businesses in the area, the closing of the border really hit our Canadian traffic. But that’s slowly creeping back up.”
Clark said that many customers — her mother included — had read on Facebook that the operation would close its doors in December, likely after the holiday season.
“That’s just not true,” she said.
JoAnn Fabrics has been in the Sault for about 30 years, and in its present location at Cascade Crossing, adjacent to I-75, for nine years. Clark says her store employs two full-time and up to 15 part-time employees.
The Sault is the last outlet for JoAnn in the Upper Peninsula. Marquette and Escanaba are former locations. According to the corporate website, JoAnn operates about 850 stores in 49 states.
“Everyone who works here loves this store,” said Clark. “Our customers love this store, too. Keep coming in to support us.”
