Hudson-based fabric retailer Joann’s announced it would close 800 of its nationwide stores due to financial trouble. The closure has hit the crafting and fashion communities hard, but Kent’s School of Fashion will especially feel the void left by the fabric distributor.

Fashion design majors, like Molly Acquard and Katherine Klein, will be considering alternative sources of fabric like thrift stores, online distributors or other big names like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s.

Fashion Professor and Associate Director Gargi Bhaduri said the school will continue to supply students with as much fabrics as they can. These school sources include the fabric pantry.

Despite the challenges that students could face in the aftermath of closings, Bhaduri remains optimistic and believes students will be persistent.

Nikki Gasiewski is a KSTV Reporter. Contact her at [email protected].