Bad news for the crafters out there: more Joann fabric and craft stores are slated to close in the coming weeks, according to industry and local reports.

The retailer, which operates around 850 stores in 49 states according to its website, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware back in March. In a statement at the time, the Ohio-based retailer said it had secured approximately $132 million in new financing and "related financial accommodations" and expected a reduction of its $1 billion total debt by about $500 million.

The company went private in 2011, when it was purchased by the equity firm Leonard Green & Partners for about $1.6 billion. In 2021, Joann was still majority-owned by Leonard Green & Partners and went public at an initial public offering at $12 a share.

The company went private again after completing the bankruptcy process, however, with shares no longer listed by the Nasdaq or any other national stock exchange. At the time, CEO Scott Sekella said 95% of Joann's 815 operating stores were profitable. He later left the company and was replaced by interim CEO Michael Prendergast, who joined the company along with other new executives.

In a statement to Retail Dive, Joann’s director of corporate communications Amanda Hayes said the locations are being closed "as part of routine store location evaluation and optimization" and not a major shuttering event. "We also opened new and remodeled locations in recent months, including new stores in Great Falls, MT and Maplewood, MN," she said.

Earn rewards on your spending: Best credit cards for shopping

Joann was founded in 1943 and sells a variety of crafting supplies including fabric by the yard, sewing machines, Cricut machines, yarn, home decor and more.

Joann did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Which Joann locations are closing?

At least eight stores across Iowa, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts are closing, according to Retail Dive, local news reports and confirmation provided to USA TODAY. The retailer did not provide further details on other future plans.

• Maryland: 10377 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills
• Massachusetts: 2267 Northampton St., Holyoke
• New York: 2309 N Triphammer Rd, Ithaca
• North Carolina: 2102 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory
• Iowa: 3200 Agency Street, Ste 110, Burlington
• Pennsylvania: 2481 E State St, Hermitage and 1746 E 3rd St, Williamsport.

When are the Joann locations closing?

Joann did not provide information on the date of the impending closings. Local news outlets in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Massachusetts and Delaware reported dates for local store closures ranging from Jan. 12 to Jan. 19. A worker at the Owings Mills, Maryland location said it would be closing Jan. 19.