Fabric Queen’s Turmoil Roils Global Fabric Industry

Shoppers loved the 'fabric queen'. Then, order by order, her story fell apart

London, December 06, 2025

A prominent figure in the global fabric design industry, Nerida Hansen, has faced a significant business crisis amid growing controversy surrounding her company, coinciding with the closure of major fabric retailer Joann, drastically altering the fabric retail landscape worldwide.

Nerida Hansen’s Brand Controversy

Nerida Hansen, once celebrated as a formidable “fabric queen,” secured a strong international following as a leading Australian designer. However, recent developments indicate her business credibility has sharply declined due to unspecified controversies. While the precise details remain limited, the negative fallout has generated widespread backlash within the crafting community and significantly undermined her company’s standing in the market.

Impact on Fabric Shopping and Supply

This upheaval emerges alongside Joann’s decisive move to shutter both its physical and online stores, removing a long-standing fabric shopping destination for many consumers. The combined effect of Hansen’s brand struggles and Joann’s exit has left fabric buyers, hobbyists, and professionals with fewer reliable sources for quality fabrics. Consequently, shoppers increasingly rely on alternatives like Walmart, Amazon, and Etsy, though concerns about product variety and quality persist.

Broader Industry Consequences

The fabric and crafting retail sector is undergoing rapid transformation amid these events. The decline of well-known brands, paired with pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, has catalyzed shortages and shifted consumer purchasing behaviors. These structural market changes are reshaping the global supply dynamics and raising questions about stability and trust among fabric suppliers and consumers alike.

As the story unfolds, the intersection of Hansen’s business difficulties and the retail downturn signals a pivotal moment for the fabric industry, challenging established players and redefining the future landscape for fabric sourcing and retailing.