Joann, the well-known fabrics and craft store company, has announced plans to close approximately 500 stores across the country as it seeks to reorganize during Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company announced this week.

Fabric and crafts retailer Joann has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as consumers continue to cut back on discretionary spending. In a Monday release, the Hudson, Ohio-based company said that it expected to emerge from bankruptcy as early as the end of next month.